Computer aided systems and methods for creating custom products

ABSTRACT

A computer-aided design system enables physical articles to be customized via printing or embroidering. A user interface may be generated that includes an image of a model of an article of manufacture and user customizable design areas that are graphically indicated on the image corresponding to the model. A design area selection may be received. In response to an add design element instruction and design element specification, the specified design element is rendered in the selected design area on the model image. Customization permissions associated with the selected design area are accessed, and using the customization permissions, a first set of design element edit tools are selected and rendered. User edits to the design element may be received and rendered in real time. Manufacturing instructions may be transmitted to a printing system.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 1 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is generally related to computer aided design andmanufacture of custom products.

Description of the Related Art

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems are conventionally used to designarticles of manufacture. However, such conventional CAD systems oftenhave overly difficult to use user interfaces, do not adequately ensurecompliance with manufacturing processes, and do not provide adequatemechanisms for a manufacturer to provide flexibility for users tocustomize articles of manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawingssummarized below. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may bere-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. Thedrawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described hereinand are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of anoperating environment.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of examplecomponents of a computing system capable of providing productcustomization services.

FIGS. 2A-4YYY illustrate example user interfaces.

FIGS. 5A-13C illustrate example operations.

DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods are described that provide computer aided design ofcustomized items. Non-limiting examples of such items may includet-shirts, hoodies, shirts, jackets, dresses, pants, glasses, phonecases, laptop skins, backpacks, laptop cases, tablet cases, hairbands,wristbands, jewelry, and the like. Techniques, processes and userinterfaces are disclosed that enable more efficient and accurategeneration, editing, and printing or embroidering of design elements.Because the resulting customized items will more closely reflectuser-desired customizations, there may be less wastage of materials(e.g., item fabric, ink, etc.), as there will be fewer defectivecustomized items.

An aspect of the disclosure relates to computer aided design (CAD)systems and methods that enable an item (e.g., a product) provider tosubmit (e.g., via an upload or by providing a link) one or more imagesof the item (e.g., a photograph or graphic image of the front, back,left side, right side, top view, bottom view, and/or interior view ofthe item) and/or portions of the item (e.g., left sleeve, right sleeve,shoe lace, strap, etc.) for posting to an online interactive catalog ofone or more items. A further aspect of the disclosure relates to systemsand methods adapted to enable an item provider to define certaincustomization options for users and define certain areas of the itemwhich may or may not be customized by users. For example, optionally anitem provider may specify the types of customizations described herein.An item provider may be an item seller, manufacturer, a branding entity(e.g., a celebrity or brand name licensor), or a collaborationinitiator. A collaboration initiator may be a user that is also be anend user (item purchaser/recipient) but that has initiated an end usercustomization collaboration for an item of an item seller, manufacturer,or branding entity.

An example CAD system may provide a user interface including a designarea and a set of tools via which a product provider can specify and/orapply design elements (e.g., text, image, and/or a graphic designelements) to a product, specify areas to which an end user may specifydesign elements to be applied (e.g., printed or embroidered), specifypermitted end user modifications to a design element originallyspecified by the product provider (that the system may perform inresponse to an end user request), and/or specify permitted designelement types and characteristics that the system may apply to theproduct in response to an end user request.

A design element may be in the form of a template. Templates, includingimage templates, text templates, and templates that include bothimage(s) and text may be presented to an end-user to provide theend-user with a starting point for customization, thereby simplifyingthe customization process. A template, by way of example, may includetext, a digital sticker (e.g., a licensed cartoon character image), alogo, an image of a person, etc. A template may be editable by theend-user in accordance with item provider and/or template providerrestrictions. For example, as discussed further elsewhere herein, a userinterface may be provided via which an item provider may specify whichcolors in a given image can or cannot be changed. By way of furtherexample, a user interface may be provided via which an item provider mayspecify which portions of an image may or may not be edited. By way ofstill further example, a user interface may be provided via which anitem provider may specify design element size change restrictions (e.g.,a maximum and/or a minimum height or width), restrict adding one or morespecified colors to a design element, restrict changes to design elementorientation (e.g., maximum and/or minimum rotation angle), restrictchanges to text content (e.g., prevent changes to one or more words in atext design element), restrict changes to a design template height/widthratio, restrict changes to one or more fonts, restrict the use of one ormore effects (e.g., text curvature effects, 3D effects, etc.), and/orthe like. By way of yet further example, a user interface may beprovided via which a user may specify placement/movement restrictionsfor templates, images and/or text. By way of further example, a userinterface may be provided via which a user may specify that certain textand/or image notifications (e.g., copyright notices, trademark notices)or logos may not be removed and/or altered.

By way of illustration, if a sports team is offering a template (e.g.,the team logo on a background) which may be added to an item, the sportsteam may want to permit an end-user to change the background color butnot the color of the logo itself, which may be in the official teamcolors. Thus, the sports team may specify that the color correspondingto the team color (e.g., purple) may not be changed but other colors inthe template may be changed. By way of further example, a user interfacemay permit an item provider to specify that portion of a template thatcorresponds to a person (e.g., an athlete, performer, celebrity, etc.),cannot be deleted by an end user but that other portions of the templatemay be deleted. By way of yet further example, a user interface maypermit an item provider to specify that an end-user may distort (e.g.,by changing a height to width ratio) certain templates, such as logos orcartoon characters, but may not distort specified other templates (e.g.,a template that includes an image of an athlete, performer, celebrity,etc.).

Optionally, one or more of the systems and processes described hereinmay be configured to enable a user (e.g., a product provider, anintellectual property licensor (e.g., licensing a cartoon character, alogo, a brand name, etc.), someone acting on behalf of the productprovider or licensor such as the system operator, etc.) to specify apalette of colors (e.g., solid colors, or patterns, such a plaid,stripped, rainbow, etc.), assets, content (e.g., text, graphic, imagecontent), fonts, and/or special effects, that may be utilized by otherusers (e.g., end users, licensees, etc.) in customizing a product or incustomizing a design element (e.g., a sticker, a template, or a portionthereof).

By way of example, a user can define a restricted content palette (e.g.,text and/or image content) from which an end user may select whencustomizing a product or a design element being applied to the product.Additionally, a menu of available colors may be provided from which theuser may select to define a restricted color palette from which an enduser may select when customizing a product or a design element beingapplied to the product.

By way of further example, a menu of available design assets may beprovided from which the user may select to define a restricted assetpalette from which an end user may select when customizing a product ora design element being applied to the product. By way of yet furtherexample, a menu of available of fonts may be provided from which theuser may select to define a restricted font palette from which an enduser may select when customizing a product or a design element beingapplied to the product. By way of further example, a menu of availableof text effects may be provided from which the user may select to definea restricted text effects palette from which an end user may select whencustomizing a product or a design element being applied to the product.Optionally, a user may require end users to use certain restrictedpalettes (e.g., fonts) in performing certain types of correspondingcustomizations and enable end users to select any customizations ofcertain types (e.g., colors) utilizing the full menu made available bythe system.

Optionally, the user may be able specify, via a corresponding userinterface, different restricted palettes for different products, producttypes (e.g., t-shirt, hoodie, backpack, phone case, etc.), and/or designelements. By way of illustration, the user may be able to define a firstrestricted palette for a first jacket and a second restricted palettefor a second jacket. By way of further example, the user may be able todefine a first restricted palette to be used for t-shirts, and a secondrestricted palette to be used for backpacks. By way of yet furtherexample, the user may be able to define a first restricted palette to beused for a first template, and a second restricted palette to be usedfor a second template. By way of still further example, the user may beable to define a first restricted palette to be used for a first“sticker” (an item of text, an image, etc.), and a second restrictedpalette to be used for a second “sticker”.

Optionally, palettes (e.g., color, font, effect, etc.) associated withone design element item (e.g., a default asset, text, image, etc.) maybe automatically associated with other design element items added to adesign element palette.

While certain examples herein reference creating a restricted palettefor a particular product or design element, a restricted palette may bedefined for an online “store” (and products and design elements providedby the store) as a whole. For example, for a given online store orproduct provider, an operator may be able to specify that users (e.g.,end users) may only be permitted to utilize certain colors, text,graphics, images, fonts, and/or effects to customize the store's orother product provider's products. Thus, even if a restricted palette isnot defined for a specific product or design element, the end user maystill be restricted to using only the palettes specified by the store incustomizing the product.

By way of yet further example, if the item is a sports team jersey, atemplate may include the team logo, a player name, and a player number.The item provider may specify via a user interface that the team logomay not be edited in any manner, but that an end-user may edit thecontent of the player name and the player number.

By way of further example, if a template includes multiple words, a userinterface may enable the item provider to specify that a specific wordsor words in the template may be edited by an end user, but that the textcontent of other words in the template may not be edited by an end user.

The system may store the restrictions/permissions in a text or non-textfile in association with the corresponding template.

Optionally, the CAD system further comprises collaboration tools thatenable end users to collaborate with each other and/or the productprovider on customizations for a given product. By way of illustrativeexample, a collaboration initiator may be a member of a class or gradein an educational institution. The collaboration initiator may specifycertain design features of a product, such as a shirt. For example, thecollaboration initiator may specify that the phrase “Class of 2027 AcmeSchool of the Plastic Arts” is to be printed on the back of a shirt, andmay provide permission (via a user interface) to a first class member tospecify design elements for a left sleeve of the shirt, and providepermission to a second class member to specify design elements for aright sleeve of the shirt.

CAD tools may be provided that enable a user to specify a product colorfor the entire product or for corresponding portions of the product. Byway of illustration, if the product is a jacket, the tools may enablethe provider to specify that the jacket exterior is red and that thejacket interior is black. By way of further example, the tools may beenable the provider to specify different colors for each sleeve, theproduct body, hood, muff, zipper, cord, etc.

The CAD system may provide tools that enable a user (e.g., anitem/product provider) to specify one or more design element areas inwhich a respective design element may be applied. For example, a toolmay be provided which enables a user to draw a bounding shape on aproduct, such as a hoodie jacket, which designates an area of theproduct as an area to which a design element may be added.

As similarly discussed above, the CAD system may provide tools thatenable a user to specify which colors are to be applied to a specificdesign element and/or which colors may be applied any design elementadded by a user to a specified design area. A tool may further beprovided that enables the user to specify that a given design elementmay incorporate only certain designated colors (e.g., gold and blue)and/or that the design element may not incorporate certain designatedcolors (e.g., grey and white). By way of illustration, an item providermay not want to permit colors to be applied that will not be adequatelyvisible against the background color of the product. By way of furtherillustration, if the product has a gray exterior, white and gray designelements may not have sufficient contrast to be adequately visible. Byway of still further illustration, certain types of clothing (e.g., arunning jacket) may be safer and otherwise more functional with brighteror more reflective colors, and so the item provider may specify thatcertain design areas (e.g., the sleeves, the zipper area, etc.) may onlybe certain bright colors and/or may specify that certain dark colors(e.g., black, navy blue) may not be used on such design areas. By way ofyet further example, the item provider may feel that certain colors willclash with colors of certain design elements specified by the itemprovider, and so may specify that such clashing colors may not be usedin certain design areas, or on the product as a whole. By way of furtherexample, the item provider may specify a maximum amount of rotation fora design element.

The design element and/or design element area may be associated with oneor more specified dimensions (e.g., height and/or width, diameter,etc.). The dimensions may be specified using a bounding tool (e.g., thatenables a user to graphically draw a boundary of a design element area)or via a numerical entry (e.g., via a field that enables the user tospecify a height or width in units, such as inches and centimeters).

Where a design element includes text and/or design element area permitsthe addition of text, a user interface may be provided via which theitem provider may specify one or more fonts for the text (e.g., TimesNew Roman, Times New Roman Italic, Arial, Arial Narrow, etc.) and/orspecify one or more fonts that may not be used for the text. The designelement and/or design element area may also be associated withformatting instructions (e.g., none, left justified, right justified,center justified, top left justified, top right justified, top centerjustified, bottom left justified, bottom right justified, bottom centerjustified, concave arc, concave high arc, concave low arc, convex arc,convex high arc, convex low arc, wave, shadow, rotate, make 3D, makevertical, etc.). The item provider may provide, via a user interface,restrictions on which formatting instructions may be used for differentdesign elements and/or different design areas.

Access to certain functions, such as a given function disclosed herein,of the CAD system may be limited to certain types of users. For example,optionally only users having an item provider account are provided withtools to define design areas that an end user may modify andcorresponding permissions and restrictions.

Certain aspects of the disclosure will now be discussed with referenceto the figures.

An example system architecture that may be utilized to provide computeraided design and manufacturing services will now be discussed withreference to FIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment a computer aideddesign (CAD) system 102 may be hosted on one or more servers. The CADsystem 102 may be cloud-based and may be accessed by one or more clientterminals 110, 112 (e.g., associated with an item provider or end user)and item provider terminals 105 a-105 n over a network 114 (e.g., theInternet, Ethernet, or other wide area or local area network). Clientterminals may be able to share software applications, computingresources, and data storage provided by the CAD system 102.

The client terminals may be in the form of a desktop computer, laptopcomputer, tablet computer, mobile phone, smart television, dedicated CADterminal, or other computing device. A client terminal may include userinput and output devices, such a displays (touch or non-touch displays),speakers, microphones, trackpads, mice, pen input, printers, hapticfeedback devices, cameras, and the like. A client terminal may includewireless and/or wired network interfaces via which the client terminalmay communicate with the CAD system 102 over one or more networks. Aclient terminal may optionally include a local data store that may storeCAD designs which may also be stored on, and synchronized with, a clouddata store.

User interfaces described herein are optionally configured to presentedits (e.g., edits to images, text, item colors, or the like) in realtime as applied to an item to ensure enhanced accuracy, reduce thepossibility of user error, and so make the customization process moreefficient. The user interfaces may present controls and renderings tofurther ease the specification of customization permissions by itemproviders, and to ease customizations of items by end users. Optionally,a version of the user interfaces described herein may be enhanced foruse with a small screen (e.g., 4 to 8 inches diagonal), such as that ofa mobile phone or small tablet computer. For example, the orientation ofthe controls may be relatively more vertical rather than horizontal toreflect the height/width ratio of typical mobile device display.Further, the user interfaces may utilize contextual controls that aredisplayed in response to an inferred user desire, rather than displayinga large number of tiny controls at the same time (which would make themhard to select or manipulate using a finger). For example, if a usertouches an image template in a template gallery, it may be inferred thatthe user wants to add the image template to a previously selected itemdesign area and to then edit the image template, and so the selectedimage template may be automatically rendered in real time on theselected item design area on a model/image of a product in associationwith permitted edit tools.

Further, optionally user interfaces may enable a user to expand orshrink a design element using a multi-touch zoom gesture (where the usertouches the screen with two fingers and moves the fingers apart) or amulti-touch pinch gesture (where the user touches the screen with twofingers and moves the fingers together) to further ease editing of adesign element and ease specification of a design area or editingrestrictions. Optionally, a user interface may enable a user to resize adesign element using a one finger icon drag/pull.

Optionally, a resizing control may be provided which enables the user toquickly resize a design element to an appropriate size. For example, ifan existing design element is sized for a shirt pocket, the resizingcontrol may enable the user to instruct the system to automaticallyresize the design element for another selected area, such as a chestarea or a sleeve area.

Optionally, user interfaces may be configured to respond to a user swipegesture (e.g., a left or a right swipe gesture using one or morefingers) by replacing a currently displayed design element (e.g., atemplate) on an item model with another design element (e.g., anothertemplate in a set of templates). Optionally, if a user has edited afirst design element and then used a swipe gesture to replace the designelement with a second design element, some or all of the edits made tothe first design element (e.g., height edit, width edit, color edit, orthe like) may be automatically applied to the second design element.

Optionally, in response to a swipe gesture (e.g., an up or down swipegesture) a user interface may display metadata related to the displayeditem and/or item customizations (e.g., cost, shipping time, item size,etc.) or other notifications.

Optionally, in response to a gesture (e.g., an up/down or left/rightswipe) the product on which the design element is displayed is changed.For example, if a design element is displayed on a model of a jacket,the gesture may cause the same design element (optionally with any useredits) to be displayed in real time on another item model (e.g., at-shirt or a different jacket style) in place of the original jacketmodel.

As will be described in greater detail herein, the CAD system 102 mayprovide tools to graphically construct computer models of and to modifycomputer models of products such t-shirts, hoodies, shirts, jackets,dresses, pants, glasses, phone cases, laptop skins, backpacks, laptopcases, tablet cases, hairbands, wristbands, jewelry, and the like.

The CAD system 102 tools may include tools for specifying and/orapplying design elements (e.g., text, image, and/or a graphic designelements) to a product, specify areas to which an end user may applydesign elements, specify permitted end user modifications to a designelement and/or specify permitted design element types andcharacteristics that the system may apply to the product in response toan end user request. Optionally, collaboration tools are provided thatenable users (e.g., end users, or a graphic designer and an itemprovider) to collaborate with each other and/or the item provider oncustomizations for a given product.

The CAD system 102 may optionally generate, based on an end-user designor design modification, corresponding order forms and/or manufacturinginstructions. Some or all of the information generated by the CAD system102 may be provided to an inventory/ordering system 104, a manufacturingsystem 106, and/or a packing/shipping system 108. Some are all of theforegoing systems may optionally be cloud based. Optionally, the CADsystem 102, inventory/ordering system 104, manufacturing system 106,and/or packing/shipping system 108 may be the same system and may beoperated by the same entity, or may be separate systems operated byseparate entities.

The CAD system 102 may optionally generate directives in the form ofmanufacturing machine instructions for applying (e.g., printing orembroidering). For example, design files may be provided that include animage file (e.g., in raster graphics file format, such as a portablenetwork graphics file) and screenshots of the user customized item.Optionally the image file may support RGB color spaces and/or non-RGBcolor spaces (e.g., CMYK color spaces). Optionally, the image file maybe in SVG, PDF, GIF, Encapsulated PostScript, AutoCAD DFX, or ADOBEILLUSTRATOR format. Optionally, one or more files may be compressed(e.g., losslessly compressed) and transmitted to the manufacturingsystem 106 in the form of a zip file, jar file or other file format. Themanufacturing system 106 may then decompress the file using anappropriate decompression module.

The CAD system 102 may enable multiple users to collaborate on a designvia their respective terminals, optionally in real time. As noted above,a first user may specify different design permissions for differentcollaborating users. For example, a design project leader may select anitem to be designed (or to have a design modified), such as asweatshirt. The project leader may identify, via a collaboration set-upuser interface provided by the system 102 (directly or via anapplication installed on a user device) multiple other collaboratingusers (e.g., by email address, mobile phone number, other communicationaddress, etc.). The project leader may assign, via a permissions userinterface, certain permissions to a given collaborating user, such aswhat design element the collaborating user has permission to design(e.g., a right sleeve design element, a left sleeve design element, ahood design element, a chest area design element, a muff area designelement, a hood drawstring, a zipper, stitching, etc.), and any designrestrictions (e.g., color, font, formatting, design element dimensions,rotation angle, text effects, other design restrictions discussedherein, etc.). The system 102 may record the collaborating useridentifiers, permissions, and/or restrictions in non-volatile memory ina record associated with the design leader and/or project.

The system 102 may transmit over a network respective collaborationinvitations to respective invitee collaborator destination addresses(e.g., by email address, mobile phone number, other communicationaddress, etc.). A given invitation may provide a link to thecorresponding project hosted by the system 102, where the link may alsouniquely identify the invitee. Activation of the link may further causea CAD item customization interface to be presented displaying thecorresponding item that is the subject of the project, with the designelement(s) that the invitee is permitted to customized emphasized (e.g.,via bolding, line width, text, and/or otherwise). Optionally, inaddition to or instead of a link, a unique code may be generated andprovided in the invitation, wherein a user interface is provided toreceive the code from the invitee. The system 102 may then permit agiven invitee to design the item in accordance with the invitee'srespective permissions and prohibitions.

The system 102 may generate and provide collaboration information,indicating who added or modified a given design element, when theaddition or modification was made, and what the addition or modificationwas. Optionally, controls may be provided that enable a givencollaborating user to undo and redo a particular customization made bythat collaborating users (but not other users). Optionally, the projectleader may be provided with permissions to undo or redo customizationsmade by other collaborating users.

The inventory/ordering system 104 may receive and process an order for acustomized item, generate prices for a customized item (e.g., based on abase item price, the number of customizations, and/or the type ofcustomizations), maintain a user shopping cart, and generally interactwith a user ordering an item and managing the ordering process. Theinventory/ordering system 104, when receiving an order for a customizeditem customized using the CAD system 102, may determine if the itembeing designed/modified is in stock, and order items that are below aspecified threshold (e.g., zero or some number greater than zero).

The packing/shipping system 108 may generate packing instructions toefficiently package the items being shipped to the user. For example,the instructions may specify package sizes and which items are to beshipped in which package. The packing/shipping system 108 may furthergenerate shipping labels and/or other shipping documents.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of examplecomponents of the CAD system 102. The example CAD system 102 includes anarrangement of computer hardware and software components that may beused to implement aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the example components may include more (orfewer) components than those depicted in FIG. 1B.

The CAD system 102 may include one or more processing units 120 (e.g., ageneral purpose process and/or a high speed graphics processor withintegrated transform, lighting, triangle setup/clipping, and/orrendering engines), one or more network interfaces 122, a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium drive 124, and an input/output device interface126, all of which may communicate with one another by way of one or morecommunication buses. The network interface 124 may provide the CADservices with connectivity to one or more networks or computing systems.The processing unit 120 may thus receive information and instructionsfrom other computing devices, systems, or services via a network. Theprocessing unit 120 may also communicate to and from memory 124 andfurther provide output information via the input/output device interface126. The input/output device interface 126 may also accept input fromone or more input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, digital pen, touchscreen, microphone, camera, etc.

The memory 128 may contain computer program instructions that theprocessing unit 120 may execute in order to implement one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The memory 120 generally includesRAM, ROM (and variants thereof, such as EEPROM) and/or other persistentor non-transitory computer-readable storage media. The memory 120 maystore an operating system 132 that provides computer programinstructions for use by the processing unit 120 in the generaladministration and operation of the CAD application module 134,including it components. The CAD application module components mayinclude a GUI component that generates graphical user interfaces andprocesses user inputs, a design enforcement component to ensure thatuser designs do not violate respective permissions/restrictions, a CADfile generator that generates data files for an inputted user design,and/or an image generator that generates image data files for printingand/or sewing/embroidering machines.

The printing machines may utilize, by way of example, heat transfervinyl, screen printing, direct to garment printing, sublimationprinting, and/or transfer printing to print design elements on an item.By way of further example, embroidery machines may be used to embroiderdesign elements on an item. The memory 128 may further include otherinformation for implementing aspects of the present disclosure.

The memory 128 may include an interface module 130. The interface module130 can be configured to facilitate generating one or more interfacesthrough which a compatible computing device, may send to, or receivefrom, the CAD application module 134 data and designs.

The modules or components described above may also include additionalmodules or may be implemented by computing devices that may not bedepicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, although the interface module130 and the CAD application module 134 are identified in FIG. 1B assingle modules, the modules may be implemented by two or more modulesand in a distributed manner. By way of further example, the processingunit 120 may include a general purpose processor and a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU). The CAD system 102 may offload compute-intensiveportions of the CAD application module 134 to the GPU, while other codemay run on the general purpose processor. The GPU may include hundredsor thousands of core processors configured to process tasks in parallel.The GPU may include high speed memory dedicated for graphics processingtasks. As another example, the CAD system 102 and its components can beimplemented by network servers, application servers, database servers,combinations of the same, or the like, configured to facilitate datatransmission to and from data stores, client terminals, and third partysystems via one or more networks. Accordingly, the depictions of themodules are illustrative in nature.

Certain user interfaces will now be described with references to FIGS.2A-4E. Inputs received from a user device may be received and stored bythe CAD system 102 or other system (e.g., the inventory/ordering system104), for example, in a database record associated with a user, userentity (e.g., an online shop), and/or a project (e.g., a collaborativeitem design). The user interfaces may be displayed on a user devicedisplay, such as a display associated with a computing device (e.g., asmart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, avirtual or augmented reality headset, etc.). The user interfaces may beprovided via a dedicated application (e.g., a phone “app”), via awebsite, or otherwise. The user interfaces may be provided and/orgenerated by one or more of the systems described herein (e.g., a CADsystem, an ordering/inventory system, client device, etc.).

FIG. 2A illustrates an example item creation user interface. Fields areprovided via which a user, such as an item provider (e.g., a productseller, manufacturer, a branding entity (e.g., a celebrity or brand namelicensor) can specify various item characteristics. For example, a fieldis provided configured to receive an item name from a user. A menu ofpredefined item categories is provided via which the user can select arespective item category (e.g., t-shirt, sweat shirt, hat, outerwear,shorts, jeans, pants, accessories, backpack, phone case, etc.). Adescription field is provided configured to receive free form text(e.g., tags corresponding to the item or a sequence of text describingthe item). A size field is provided via which the user can specify oneor more sizes that the user intends to make the item available in. Colorfields are provided via which the user can specify one or more solidand/or non-solid colors that the user intends to make the item availablein.

A “sides” field is provided via which the user can specify the sides ofthe item (e.g., front, back, right, left, top, and/or bottom) for whichimages are to be presented to end-users. A default field is provided viawhich the user can specify which side image is to be presented as adefault when an end-user accesses an item detail page (e.g., aninteractive online catalog page) corresponding to the item or to bepresented in search results provided in response to a user productsearch.

The image may be a two dimensional or three-dimensional model (where thesurface of a depicted item is rendered in three dimensions).

For example, a three-dimensional model of an item may utilize points inthree-dimensional space, connected by triangles, lines, curved surfaces,or the like. Texture mapping may be utilized to define surfaces of the3D model. The 3D model may be a solid model or a boundary model (whichmay be constructed using a mesh).

Optionally, the model may be provided using WebGL (Web Graphics Library)which utilizes a JavaScript API (which may be used with HTML5) to renderan interactive 3D or 2D graphic. The interactive 3D model may enable theuser to spin the model, rotate the model in any direction, scale themodel in or out, add text or graphics to the model, and/or animate themodel. For example, a user interface may enable the user to manipulatethe model via touch or via discrete spin, rotate, scale controls. By wayof illustrative example, if the item is a jacket, the image of thejacket may be a 3D image of the jacket in a worn state, as if drapedover a torso. For example, the front of the jacket may be curved as ifconforming to a human chest. Optionally, the image of the jacket orother item may be continuously rotated around an axis (e.g., a verticalor horizontal axis) when presented to the user so that the user can viewthe front, back, left and rights sides. By way of further example, ifthe item is a hat, the front of the hat may be curved, and the bill ofthe hat may project outwards. A design element (e.g., text and/or animage) may be configured to appear curved when applied to a curvedportion of a 3D model.

By way of further illustrative example, if the item is a shoe, the modelof the shoe may be animated to demonstrate how the shoe flexes whenbeing worn and used to run.

FIG. 2B illustrates a color specification user interface via which theuser can add an image of the item for each selected color forcorresponding item sides. Optionally in addition or instead, the systemmay enable the user to upload images of the item in a single color, suchas white, and the system may then enable the user to specify othercolors for the item. The system may then generate files corresponding tothe other specified colors for the item, and may enable an end user toview item images corresponding to the specified colors. Controls areprovided via which the user can upload the image of the item or selectan image from a gallery/library of item images (e.g., images of genericitems, such as a generic t-shirt or sweat shirt). Controls are providedvia which the user can specify the side of the item (e.g., front, back,right, left, top, and/or bottom) that the image being uploaded orselected corresponds to. Controls are provided via which the user canassign a solid color (e.g., red, blue, black, purple, dark blue, gray,etc.) or non-solid color (e.g., striped, geometric, plaid, etc.) to theitem.

The user interface may specify that the uploaded image be in a scalablevector graphics (SVG) format which is defined in an XML text file. Thesystem may locate and edit a color entry in the text file to correspondto a color specified by the user, thereby causing the color of graphicadded to the design area to be the specified color (e.g., via fill,stroke, and/or other properties). The color may be in the form of astandard color name (e.g., “green,” “red,” “blue”), or via a numericalcode (e.g., as a hexadecimal value, as rgb decimal values (e.g., rgb(126, 255, 216), as rgb percentages (e.g., rgb (75%, 50%, 25%), orotherwise). Thus, the utilized image format may permit quicker editingof colors with less processing power and requiring less working memory.

In the illustrated example, a color map is provided via which the usercan point to a desired color, and the corresponding numerical value(e.g., a hexadecimal value) will appear in color name field. Thenumerical color value may be edited by the user.

FIG. 2C illustrates a select product view user interface which may bepresented in response to the user selecting the gallery/library control.The select product view user interface may present various views of anitem (e.g., a product) accessed from a product view database, where theimages (e.g., which may be product outlines or photographs) are selectedto correspond to the product category selected by the user. The user mayselect an image to be associated with the corresponding side (e.g.,front) specified by the user.

FIG. 2D illustrates the user interface of FIG. 2B with the product viewselected by the user displayed. In this example, the user has selectedthe blue color control. A color map is displayed for a range of bluecolors. The user may select a particular color shade of blue from themap. The corresponding hex value may be determined and displayed in acolor value field. Optionally, the user can enter the desired color viathe color value field (e.g., by entering or modifying a color hexvalue). The product in the product view will then be colored using theselected color in real time. A control is provided via which the usercan decolorize the product in the product view. The user may activate asave control, and the user settings are saved to a data store.

FIG. 2E illustrates an example CAD user interface that enables a user,such as an item provider (e.g., a product seller, manufacturer, abranding entity (e.g., a celebrity or brand name licensor), a templatelicensor (e.g., a licensor of a digital sticker, image, text, or thelike), or a collaboration initiator) to specify one or more design areas(e.g., printable areas) on an item. The user interface may include sideselection controls (e.g., front, back, right, left, up, down controls).In response to a user selecting a corresponding side control, the CADsystem accesses and presents an image (e.g., photograph or drawing) ofthe corresponding item side.

A design area specification tool (e.g., an “add printable area” tool)may be provided that enables a user to draw or otherwise specify adesign area perimeter. By way of illustration, a user may select thetool, specify a first corner via a pointer (e.g., mouse, stylus,finger), drag the pointer to indicate a diagonally opposite corner, anda corresponding perimeter will be drawn (e.g., using dashed lines orother indicator), which may be in the form of a rectangle or square(although other shapes may be used).

Referring again to FIG. 2E, a ratio control may be provided via whichthe user can specify a height to width ratio for the design area.Controls may be provided enabling the user to grab a corner or side ofthe perimeter and drag the grabbed portion to change the size of thedesign area perimeter (e.g., make the perimeter larger or smaller),rotate the perimeter, move the perimeter to a different portion of theitem, and delete the perimeter. Fields are provided via which the usercan assign an identifier (e.g., an alphanumeric name) for each designarea.

Referring to FIG. 2F, in this example, the user has added four designareas and assigned the following design area names: printable area 1,printable area 2, printable area 3, printable area 4. In this example,an image gallery previously specified by the user is displayed, and theuser is dragging an image (“Mama Bear” image) to a design area. Inaddition, a product color palette is provided. The user may select aproduct color, and the illustrated product's color will change in realtime to the selected color.

Referring to FIG. 2G, in this example, the user has added two designareas and assigned the following design area names: print zone #1, printzone #2. In this example, each listing of a design area is associatedwith a ratio user interface displaying the respective design arearatios. Optionally, once the ration is set for a design area it may notbe modified. If the user wants to change the ratio, the user needs todelete the design area and add it back in with a different ratio.Optionally instead, the system may enable the user to modify the ratioof a design area without having to delete the design area. In thisexample, design area #2 has been slightly rotated by a user using therotation control associated with design area #2. A control is optionallyprovided in association with a given design area listing via which theuser can delete a design area.

FIG. 2H illustrates a user interface via which a user can assign a baseprice and prices for each specified item variant (e.g., for eachcombination of available color, available size, and number of designareas customizable by an end user). Optionally, the user interface mayenable the user to specify what type of print options may be used ormade available for a given item. For example, the user interface mayenable an item provider to specify whether standard ink, glow-in-thedark ink, and/or embroidery are to be made available to end users tocustomize a given item.

FIG. 2I illustrates a products user interface via which a user can viewa listing of items that the user has authorization to edit, remove,publish, or unpublish. For example, the listing may be products to beoffered by an online store associated with the user. The user interfacemay include data accessed from a database record associated with theuser/user store. A given product listing entry may include a productname and date/time last published. A given product listing entry mayinclude edit, remove, and/or publish controls which when activated willcause the system to respectively enable the user to edit the product viaan edit user interface, remove the product entry from the listing and/orstore, and publish the corresponding product so that it appears to endusers via an interactive catalog. If the product has already beenpublished an un-publish control may presented, which when activated,with cause the product to be removed from the end-user accessiblecatalog.

FIG. 2J illustrates an example user interface via which a user (e.g., anitem provider) can edit a product corresponding to a product entry (ahoodie jacket in the illustrated example). A similar user interface maybe provided to an end user to customize or edit a product design inaccordance with permissions and restrictions of the item provider, asdiscussed elsewhere herein. In this example, the front side of the itemis displayed. The front side may be the pre-specified default side thatis to be initially displayed. In addition, a menu of sides is provided.The user may select a side from the menu, and the corresponding image ofthe selected side is displayed by the user interface, with any designareas indicated (e.g., with a border and a design area identifier).

In the illustrated example, the user interface indicates via respectiveborders, shading/coloring, and identifiers, that the jacket has fourdesign areas that had been specified by the item provider (design area1—chest, design area 2—muff, design area 3—right sleeve, design area4—left sleeve). The user interface provides various tools (e.g., an addimage control, an add text control). A preview control is provided whichwhen activated, will cause the item to be realistically rendered withany customizations. A save control is provided which when activated willcause the system to save any user customizations. A picture gallery areais presented in association with an “add” image control which whenactivated enables the user to add an image to the gallery (e.g., byselecting an image from a specified location or by providing a link toan image).

FIG. 2K illustrates an example user image selection user interfacepresented in response to a user selecting the add image control depictedin FIG. 2J. The user interface accesses and lists image files from aspecified location. A given listing may include an image name, an imagethumbnail, and/or other data (e.g., last edit date, creation date, imageauthor, etc.). Controls are provided via which the user can navigate toanother location to search for and select images.

FIG. 2L illustrates the user interface of FIG. 2J with images listed inthe image gallery. FIG. 2M illustrates the user interface illustrated inFIG. 2L with an image from the image gallery added to design area 1. Theuser has selected an add color control and in response, the userinterface accesses and presents a color map corresponding to the colorselected by the user. The user may select a desired shade from the colormap, and the image color will be changed to the selected shade. A lockcontrol is provided which when activated will prevent the image colorfrom being changed unless the lock is unlocked (e.g., by clicking on thelock image and optionally entering a password if such has been set). Theuser may lock the design to prevent an end user from modifying thelocked portions of the design. An interface may be provided via whichthe user can specify elements to be locked at a very granular level. Forexample, the interface may enable the user to lock (for a given imageand/or text template) size, one or more colors (or all colors),orientation, placement, text content, font, effects, overlays, selectedportions of an image or text, and/or the like.

Thus, by way of illustrative example, an item provider may specify via auser interface that an end user is not permitted to edit certain aspectsof a template text. For example, a user interface may be provided viawhich the item provider may indicate that the content of a given item oftext (e.g., a string of characters) may not be edited by an end user,but that optionally certain other forms of editing (e.g., change ofcolor, font, size, effects, and/or rotation angle) may be permitted.

If the user selects the add text control, then the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 2N may be presented. In the illustratedexample, the user has selected design area 1 (on the jacket chest),which is highlighted (e.g., via color, shading, and/or change in borderfrom a solid to interrupted/dashed boarder) via the user interfacerelative to the other design areas to indicate that design area 1 hasbeen selected. A text field is provided, wherein as the user enters text(e.g., using a keyboard, via voice input, or otherwise) the text isdisplayed in real time in the design area 1. In addition, in thisexample the user has selected a Helvetica font, selected aregular/default version of the Helvetica font (e.g., not bolded,underlined, struck through, subscripted, or superscripted). Controls areprovided via which the user can specify text alignment (e.g., left,right, center), whether the text is to be solid or stenciled, and a textcurvature type. Optionally, controls are provided via which the user canspecify character and/or line spacing. In addition, in this example atext rotation tool is provided (which enables the user to specify arotation angle of the text graphically and/or via a specified rotationangle). Optionally, the text is displayed in the design area, as theuser enters the text, with the color, hue, saturation, font, alignment,line spacing, character spacing rotation, and/or with effects previouslyspecified by the user. A design area deletion control is also providedwhich when activated will delete the selected design area from theuser's instantiation of the jacket (but not from that of other users orfrom the interactive catalog). Text formatting changes specified by theuser may be reflected in the design area on the image of the jacket inreal-time.

Optionally, a user interface may be provided via which a user may uploada custom font (e.g., in the form of a textured watercolor, 3D bubblefont, etc.) which may then be used by the item provider and/or an enduser. For example, the user interface may enable the user to uploadimages to be used as fonts (e.g., PNG, SVG, GIF, or other image file).By way of illustration, a user may create images of balloons in theshape of letters. Such images may then be displayed on respectivecustomized keyboard keys rendered on the user device. The user cancreate sequential “text” characters to form words or phrases by typingthem in using the customized keyboard keys. Optionally, a given uploadedcharacter image may be transparent and tools may be provided via whichthe user can specify or change color, hue, effect, etc. As the usertypes, the custom font characters may be rendered in real time is adesignated design area of the item model.

FIG. 2O illustrates the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 2Nwith a color map displayed in response to the user selecting thecharacter color control. The user interface accesses and presents acolor map corresponding to the color selected by the user. The user mayselect a desired shade from the color map, and the text color will bechanged to the selected shade. The user may specify which aspects of thetext and/or text formatting and effects may not be modified by an enduser. For example, a lock control is provided which when activated willprevent the text color from being changed unless the lock is unlocked(e.g., by clicking on the lock image and optionally entering a passwordif such has been set).

FIG. 2P illustrates the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 2Owith the text curved in response to the user activating the convex textcurvature control.

FIGS. 2Q-2Z illustrate additional user interfaces which enable an itemprovider to create or specify an item and create templates. FIG. 2Qillustrates a user interface with four defined design areas (referred toin the user interface as printable areas). The design areas are visuallyoutlined on respective areas of the product. In addition, a textual listof the design areas is provided (Printable Area 1, Printable Area 2,Printable Area 3, Printable Area 4, in this example). A “choose product”menu enables the user to switch products displayed by the userinterface. A side menu enables the user to select a view of a productside (e.g., front side, back side, left side, right side). Tabs(“Pictures”, “Text”, “Templates” tabs) are provided via which the usercan specify or create pictures, text, or templates to add to designareas. In this example, the user has selected the “Templates” tab. Tocustomize a given design area, the user may select a design area (e.g.,by clicking on or otherwise selecting the design area).

As illustrated in FIG. 2R, in response to the user selecting a designarea (Printable Area 1 in the illustrated example), an indicator isdisplayed in association with the corresponding design area name in thedesign area list (via a “+” symbol in the illustrated example), and thedesign area itself is highlighted (e.g., via a change of the border froma broken border to a solid border, and via a change in shading of thedesign area).

As illustrated in FIG. 2S, in response to the user selecting theselected design area indicator (the “+” symbol in this example), add“Picture” and add “Text” controls are displayed (in the form of tabs),in addition to a “lock template” control (in the form of a lock icon).As illustrated in FIGS. 2S, 2T, in order to add an image to the selecteddesign area, the user may select the “Picture” control, as illustrated.In response, a gallery of images is displayed via the user interface.The user can drag and drop one or more images from the gallery to one ormore design areas. In the illustrated example, the user has dragged anddropped one image to Printable Area 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2U, 2V in order to add text to a design area,the user selects the “Text” control. In response, a text user interfacemay be displayed. The text user interface includes a field for receivingtext, a font menu, a size menu, a text alignment menu (e.g., left,right, center), a control via which the user can specify whether thetext is to be solid or stenciled, and a text curvature menu. Optionally,controls are provided via which the user can specify character and/orline spacing. A text area border is displayed in the selected designarea (Printable Area 1 in the illustrated example). As the user enterstext, the text is rendered in both the text field and in the text areain the selected design area at the same time. If the user wants to addanother text area to a design area, the user may select the “add text”control and another text area border will be displayed in the selecteddesign area. Thus, multiple images and multiple text phrases may beadded to the same design area. The user may specify the layer order. Forexample, the user may specify if a text entry is to overlay an image (ora portion thereof), or whether the image (or a portion thereof) is tooverlay the text entry. FIG. 3W illustrates an example where the useradded two text areas overlaying an image in Printable Area 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2X, 2Y, the user can lock or unlock a templatefor each design area by selecting the design area and then selecting thelock control. For example, if the template is unlocked, selecting thelock control will lock the template. If the template is locked,selecting the lock control will unlock the template.

As illustrated in FIG. 2Z, the user can activate the save control tosave the template. Optionally, a separate publish control is providedwhich when activated makes the template available to end users (e.g.,via one or more interfaces described elsewhere herein).

Optionally, a user interface may be provided which enables an itemprovider to specify an expiration date/time for a given template (whichmay include an image and/or text). For example, a user interface may beprovided which includes a date field and/or a time field that enable anitem provider to specify for a given template a date and/or time atwhich the template is to no longer be made available to end-users foruse in customizing an item. Optionally, fields may be provided thatenable an item provider to specify a number of days and/or hours afterwhich the corresponding template is to no longer be made available toend-users.

Optionally, the user interface may enable the item provider to selectmultiple displayed templates (e.g., by selecting respective check boxesdisplayed in association with a template and/or a template name) andassociate a single expiration date/time with a set of selectedtemplates. Item provider inputs associated with setting an expirationperiod may be stored and utilized as described herein.

Optionally, a user interface may be provided via which the item providercan specify a process for handling scenarios where an end user is stillin the process of applying a template to an item model, editing atemplate selected for an item model, or ordering an item customized witha template, upon the occurrence of an expiration event. For example, theuser interface may enable the item provider to specify that the expiredtemplate may no longer be used to customize an item as soon theexpiration date/time is reached. Optionally, the user interface mayenable the item provider to specify that the expired template may beutilized to customize an item for a certain period of time (e.g., 10minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, or the like) after the expiration date/time isreached if an end user is already in the process of applying, editing,and/or ordering an item with the template. Optionally, a countdown timermay be provided for display to the user that indicates how long the userhas before an item customized with the expired template may no longer beordered.

Such expiration periods may be used to heighten interest in templates ormay be tied to expiration of a license to such templates. For example,an item provider may want to tie the availability of a given template toa given real world event, such as a sporting event or concert tour,wherein after the event is over, the corresponding template(s) are nolonger to be made available to end users.

Optionally, different design elements may be associated with differentprices specified by an item provider. For example, a licensed designelement of a cartoon character may be more expensive than a designelement that uses a public domain graphic or photograph. Thus, a userinterface may be provided via which the item provider may specify aprice for an individual design element, for a selection of designelements, or for all design elements. The user interface may also enablethe item provider to associate a tag (e.g., an icon) reflective of theprice. For example, a single star may correspond to the least expensivedesign elements, two stars may correspond to medium-priced designelements, and three stars may correspond to high-priced design elements.The tags may be displayed to an end user in association with respectivedesign elements in a gallery of design elements.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example user interface that may be presented toan end-user that wants to customize an item offered by an item provider.The example user interface may display a catalog of items offered by asingle item provider (e.g., selected by the user from a listing of itemproviders) or by multiple item providers. A given entry in the userinterface may include a corresponding item image, a short description,an indication as to available colors, an indication as to availablesize, and/or an indication as to the location of one or morecustomizable design areas. The item images may have been previouslyuploaded or selected by the item provider and designated as defaultimages.

Referring to FIG. 3B-1, illustrating an item customization userinterface, in this example, the user has selected a hoodie sport jacket.In this example, an image corresponding to the front side of the jacketis accessed from memory and displayed as a default side, optionally inan item provider specified default color or a color specified by theuser. The image may be a two dimensional or three-dimensional model(where the surface of a depicted item is rendered in three dimensions).

For example, as similarly discussed above, a three-dimensional model ofan item may utilize points in three-dimensional space, connected bytriangles, lines, curved surfaces, or the like. Texture mapping may beutilized to define surfaces of the 3D model. The 3D model may be a solidmodel or a boundary model (which may be constructed using a mesh).

Optionally, the model may be provided using WebGL (Web Graphics Library)which utilizes a JavaScript API (which may be used with HTML5) to renderan interactive 3D or 2D graphic. The interactive 3D model may enable theuser to spin the model, rotate the model in any direction, scale themodel in or out, add text or graphics to the model, and/or animate themodel. For example, a user interface may enable the user to manipulatethe model via touch or via discrete spin, rotate, scale controls.Optionally, the model of an item will automatically rotate around anaxis when a user selects the item (e.g., from a catalog).

By way of illustrative example, if the item is a jacket, the image ofthe jacket may be a 3D image of the jacket in a worn state, as if drapedover a torso. For example, the front of the jacket may be curved as ifconforming to a human chest. A design element (e.g., text and/or animage) may be configured to appear curved when applied to a curvedportion of a 3D model. Optionally, the image of the item (e.g., ajacket) may be continuously rotated around a vertical axis whenpresented to the user so that the user can view the front, back, leftand rights sides of the item, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3, 3B-4, and3B-5.

By way of further illustrative example, if the item is a shoe, the modelof the shoe may be animated to demonstrate how the shoe flexes whenbeing worn and used to run.

The front side may be the pre-specified default side that is displayed.In addition, a side selection control is provided. The user may activatethe side selection control to scroll through (or otherwise select from)available side images, where the corresponding image of the selectedside is displayed by the user interface, with any design areas indicated(e.g., with a border and/or a design area identifier). In theillustrated example, the user interface indicates via respectiveborders, shading/coloring, and identifiers, that the jacket has fourdesign areas that had been specified by the item provider (design area1—chest, design area 2—muff, design area 3—right sleeve, design area4—left sleeve). The user may select (e.g., by clicking on) a design areato add to or modify the design area. A toggle control may optionally beprovided which when activated by the user causes the design areaindicators (e.g., borders) to turn on or off (where when a toggle offcommand is issued, the design area indicators are not displayed).

Controls are optionally provided which when activated enable the user tocommand the user interface to display a description of the item, changethe size of the item (e.g., XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, etc., where the sizeinformation may include gender an age information (e.g., unisex, men,women, juniors, youth, toddler, infant)), change the color of the item,and/or display a menu of available products. An item cost may beaccessed from memory or calculated and displayed. A control may beprovided via which the user can add the item to the user's shoppingcart.

FIG. 3B-2 illustrates another example item customization user interface.In this example, the size and description controls are not displayed,and a template control is provided. When the user selects the templatecontrol, a gallery of templates may be displayed as described elsewhereherein. In this example, the item provider has specified a header logoand a background associated with a character (e.g., a cartoon character)included on the item and associated with the item provider store.

Referring to FIG. 3C, in this example, the user has selected thedescription control, and in response, the user interface provides atextual description of the item (e.g., the item material(s), adescription of the color type, cuff type, and hem type, and an articlenumber (e.g., a sku)), which may have been provided by the itemprovider.

In response to the user selecting a design area (e.g., design area 1 onthe chest), the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 3D may bepresented. The selected design area is highlighted (e.g., via color,shading, and/or change in border from a solid to interrupted/dashedboarder) via the user interface relative to the other design areas toindicate that the design area (e.g., design area 1) has been selected.The user interface provides various editing tools (e.g., an add templatecontrol, an add image control, an add text control) to enable the userto customize the selected design area. A save control may be provided.In response to the user selecting the save control, the informationcorresponding to the user interface may be saved for later access.

In response to the user selecting the images control, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 3E-1 may be presented. Controls areprovided via which the user can upload an image to be added to the itemor the user can select an image from a displayed gallery of imagetemplates (e.g., by clicking on or pointing at an image template), whichmay optionally have associated text, which may include editable textand/or non-editable text.

The gallery of images may be organized in order of popularity (e.g.,most popular in the last specified number of hours/days or overall),newness, exclusivity (where images that are only available for printingon products via the system are displayed first or last), soonest tobecome unavailable (e.g., where a given image may be associated with adate/time at which the image will no longer be available to print on theitem), cost (where certain images may be associated with a higher costthan other images), user ratings, or otherwise. A control may beprovided via which a user can specify which criteria are to be used toorder the image templates. A control may be provided via which a usercan specify the ascending or descending ordering for the selectedcriteria. For example, if the user selects newness as the orderingcriterion, the user may activate an ascending/descending control tocause the user interface to present the newest template first, thesecond newest template second, and so on, or to present the oldesttemplate first, the second oldest template second, and so on.

A filter control may be provided to cause only templates meetingspecified filter conditions to be presented. For example, a filter maybe specified so that only templates that have a specified futureunavailability date are to be displayed. By way of further example, afilter may be specified so that only exclusive templates are to bedisplayed. By way of further example, a filter may be specified so thatonly templates whose color, size, orientation, text, subject matter(e.g., sports, music, movies, etc.), and/or other specified feature, areuser-editable are to be displayed. A given filter control may be in theform of a slider control (e.g., slide slider to one side to see all thetemplates, slide to the other side to see only the most expensivetemplates, slide to the middle to average prices templates), a textfield, a menu entry, or otherwise.

Optionally, the system may automatically filter out certain templates.For example, the system may filter out templates associated withexpiration dates/times that have passed or will pass within a thresholdperiod of time (e.g., the next 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or otherthreshold period of time). The system may filter out templates that arenot permitted for use on the item or for the selected design area.

By filtering out unavailable templates and/or templates that do not meetcertain criteria, the amount of network bandwidth needed to transmit thetemplates to the user device is reduced, the amount of user devicememory needed to store the templates is reduced, and the amount ofdisplay area needed to display templates is reduced.

Optionally, the gallery of image templates may include a correspondinglisted expiration date/time for those image templates that areassociated with an expiration date/time. Optionally, a continuouslyupdated countdown clock may be displayed in association with a giventemplate or set of templates that reflects the corresponding expirationdate/time. The countdown clock may textually display the number of daysand/or hours/minutes/seconds until the expiration date/time will bereached.

Optionally, a given template may be displayed in association with itscorresponding cost. Optionally, tags (e.g., a number of stars) may bedisplayed to an end user in association with templates that indicatecost levels.

The user interface may specify that the uploaded image be in a scalablevector graphics (SVG) format which is defined in an XML text file. Thesystem may locate and edit a color entry in the text file to correspondto a color specified by the user, thereby causing the color of graphicadded to the design area to be the specified color (e.g., via fill,stroke, and/or other properties). The color may be in the form of astandard color name (e.g., “green,” “red,” “blue”), or via a numericalcode (e.g., as a hexadecimal value, as rgb decimal values (e.g., rgb(126, 255, 216), as rgb percentages (e.g., rgb (75%, 50%, 25%), orotherwise). In the illustrated example, a color map is provided viawhich the user can point to a desired color, and the correspondingnumerical value (e.g., a hexadecimal value) will appear in color namefield. The numerical color value may be edited by the user.

Optionally, a user interface may be provided (e.g., in the form of adrop down or pop-up user interface) that indicates restrictions withrespect to a given image template. For example, the user interface mayindicate where the image template may be used (e.g., only on a breastpocket), whether the size may not be changed, whether the height/widthratio may not be changed, whether one or more colors cannot be changed,other restrictions discussed herein, etc.

FIG. 3E-2 illustrates the user interfaces corresponding to FIGS. 3D and3E-1, where a portion of the gallery of images may be displayedoverlaying the user interface of FIG. 3D so that the user canefficiently view at least a portion of the item being edited and thegallery images at the same time. An interface may be provided via whichthe user can cause the gallery of images or the user interface of FIG.3D to be displayed in full screen or near full screen mode, asillustrated in FIG. 3E-3.

FIG. 3F illustrate an example user interface with an image added to theselected design area in response to the user selecting the correspondingimage from the gallery illustrated in FIG. 3E. Controls are provided viawhich the user can instruct the user interface to rotate the image,change the size of the image (e.g., by dragging a corner or side of animage), edit the image (e.g., change the color of the image), straightenimage, center image in the design area, center the image in a feature ofthe item (e.g., in the center of a pocket), or delete the image. Inaddition a color control is provided via which the user can instruct theuser interface to change the color image. A toggle control mayoptionally be provided which when activated by the user causes thedesign area indicators, editing controls displayed over the item image,and/or any added images/text to turn on or off (where when a toggle offcommand is issued, the design area indicators, editing controlsdisplayed over the item image, and/or any added images/text are notdisplayed).

If the user selects the color control, the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 3G may be displayed. The example user interfacedisplays a palette of colors from which the user can select a desiredcolor. The palette may have been specified by the item provider. Thecolor of the image is changed in real time to the color selected byuser. Controls (e.g., slide controls) are provided via which the usercan specify hue, saturation, and brightness for the selected color. Thehue slide control depicts a continuum of hues for the selected color.The hue number corresponding to the hue slider position is determinedand displayed. The saturation slide control depicts a continuum ofsaturations for the selected color. The saturation percentagecorresponding to the saturation slider position is determined anddisplayed. The brightness slide control depicts a continuum ofbrightness for the selected color. The brightness percentagecorresponding to the brightness slider position is determined anddisplayed. Changes in hue, saturation, and brightness specified by theuser via respective controls are displayed in real time in the imagedepicted in the design area (e.g., the image on the hoodie jacketimage). When the user selects a done control, the user settings aresaved in memory.

Optionally, a control may be provided via which a person can isolate aportion of the image and remove a specified color from the portion. Forexample, if an image has a black background, the control may be used toremove the black background or change the color of the black background(without affecting other black colored portions of the image).

In response to the user selecting the text control illustrated in FIG.3D, the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 3H may be presented.A “create” control and “template” control are displayed. When the userselects the “create” control a user interface may be displayed via whichthe user can enter the user's own text.

If the user selects the “template” control a gallery of templates, asillustrated in FIG. 3I, previously entered by the item provider (e.g.,an online shop owner) via which the user can select and add a template(e.g., text/phrases), created by item provider for users to add to theitem provider's products. When the user selects a done control, the usersettings are saved in memory. The user can select the cancel control tocancel the template add operation. The user can select the createcontrol to enter the user's own text. Optionally, a given template mayinclude a visual watermark (e.g., of the item provider, theowner/licensor of a template (or character or phrased in the template)to prevent or hinder an unauthorized use of the template. However, whenthe template is printed on a product, the watermark is not visiblypresent.

FIG. 3J illustrates an example text entry user interface including akeyboard and a text field. As the user types (via the keyboard) orotherwise enters text, the user interface displays the text in real timein the text entry field and in the selected design area, optionally withthe color, hue, saturation, font, alignment, line spacing, characterspacing rotation, and/or effects previously specified by the user. Inresponse to the activating the “done” control, the user interface may bemodified so that the keyboard slides away and enables the item to occupya larger percentage of the user device display. Controls are providedvia which the user can instruct the user interface to rotate the text,change the size of the text (e.g., by dragging a corner or side of thedesign are or specifying a font size), edit the text (e.g., change thecolor of the text), or delete the text. A control is provided via whichthe user can change and select the color of a text border. FIG. 3Killustrates the user interface of FIG. 3J with user entered textdisplayed in the text entry field and the design area. When the userselects a done control, the user settings are saved in memory.

FIG. 3L illustrates the example user interface of FIG. 3K, where theuser has selected the color control. The example user interface displaysa palette of colors from which the user can select a color for the textin the selected design area. The text color is changed is real time tothe color selected by user. Controls (e.g., slide controls) are providedvia which the user can specify hue, saturation, and brightness for theselected color, as similarly discussed above. The hue slide controldepicts a continuum of hues for the selected color. The hue numbercorresponding to the hue slider position is determined and displayed.The saturation slide control depicts a continuum of saturations for theselected color. The saturation percentage corresponding to thesaturation slider position is determined and displayed. The brightnessslide control depicts a continuum of brightness for the selected color.The brightness percentage corresponding to the brightness sliderposition is determined and displayed. Changes in hue, saturation, andbrightness specified by the user via respective controls are displayedin real time with respect to the text displayed in the selected designarea (e.g., the text on the hoodie jacket image). When the user selectsa done control, the user settings are saved in memory.

In response to the user selecting the font control illustrated in FIG.3L, the example user interface of FIG. 3M may be displayed. A rotatablemenu of fonts is provided via which the user can select a desired font(although other menu formats may be used) for template text and/or usercreated text. The font menu may be restricted to the fonts previouslyspecified by the item provider. The font of the text in the design areawill change in real time to the user selected font. When the userselects a done control, the user settings are saved in memory. Otherfont formatting controls may be provided (e.g., regular, bold,underline, strike through, subscript, superscript). Optionally, controls(e.g., via a menu) may be provided that enables a user to add a border,specify border thickness, specify text alignment (e.g., centered, leftjustified, right justified, etc.), specify character spacing, and/orspecify line spacing.

In response to the user selecting the effect control illustrated in FIG.3M, the example user interface of FIG. 3N may be displayed. A menu ofeffects (e.g., text curvatures) is provided via which the user canselect a desired effect. The effect menu may be restricted to effectspreviously specified by the item provider. The text in the design areawill change in real time to the user selected effect (e.g., the userselected curvature). When the user selects a done control, the usersettings are saved in memory.

Referring to FIG. 3O, the example customization user interface of FIG.3B is reproduced for convenience. In response to the user selecting theitem color control, the example color selection user interface of FIG.3P may be displayed. A palette of colors is displayed from which theuser may select. In response to the user selecting a color from thecolor palette, the user interface changes the color of the item (e.g.,all of the item or a representative portion of the item, such as theedges or outline of the item). When the user selects a done control, theuser settings are saved in memory. Optionally, a user interface isprovided via which the user can specify the color of individual elementsof the item (for each sleeve, the product body, hood, muff, zipper,cord, etc.) as permitted by the item provider.

In response to the user selecting the product control illustrated inFIG. 3B, the example product menu illustrated in FIG. 3Q is displayed. Arotatable menu of products is provided via which the user can select adesired product (although other menu formats may be used). The productmenu may be restricted to the products previously specified by thecurrently selected item provider. The user selected product will then bedisplayed via the example product customization user interface of FIG.3B.

FIG. 3R illustrates an example user interface where the user has addedan image to a design area. However, in this example, the item providerhas specified that the position, size, and orientation are not to bealtered. In response to the item provider specification, the image isaccordingly locked, and the resize, drag, and rotate controls aredisabled and optionally not displayed, or are displayed “greyed out” (orotherwise) to indicate that the controls are not accessible.

Optionally, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify the print type or ink to be used to customize an item from aselection of permitted print types or ink. For example, the userinterface may enable the user to specify whether standard ink,glow-in-the dark ink, and/or embroidery are to be used to customize agiven item.

Optionally, controls are provided that enable a user to share an imageof a user customized item (e.g., a 2D or interactive 3D image) viaemail, short messaging service (e.g., SMS/MMS) message, a social mediaposting, or otherwise. Optionally, the image may have a watermark addedthereto (e.g., of the item provider, the owner/licensor of a template(or character or phrased in the template) used to customize the item,and/or of the operator of the item customization system) so that aperson viewing the shared image will see the watermark. Optionally, acontrol may be provided via which the user may include an invitation(optionally in association with the image of the customized item) tocollaborate on the customization. For example, the invitation mayinclude a link to an interface for customizing the item or a code toaccess the item customization user interface.

The system may determine the size of a design element (e.g., an imageand/or text) added or modified by the user. For example, the size may bedetermined based on a design element area (e.g., square inches, squarecentimeters, or other units of measure). The system may calculate aprice for the item based at least in part on the current design elementsize and/or the design element ratio (e.g., width/height orheight/width). Optionally, the price may be reflective of, or based atleast in part on the expense of the ink or other materials needed toprint the design element.

For example, an item price may comprise a base price for an item (e.g.,a jacket), an additional minimum price for adding a design element tothe item, and a variable additional price based on the size of thedesign element. Optionally, different design elements may be associatedwith different prices specified by an item provider. For example, alicensed design element of a cartoon character may be more expensivethan a design element that uses a public domain graphic or photograph.

A user interface may be presented to an item provider via which the itemprovider can insert a pricing formula or arguments for such a formula.For example, a formula may take the form of:P=(K ₁(height*width of design element₁)+BDE₁)+(K ₂(height*width ofdesign element₂)+BDE₂)+ . . . +(K _(n)(height*width of designelement_(n))+BDE₁)+BSP

-   -   Where:    -   P=the product price    -   K is a constant for a given design element (where certain design        elements (e.g., of licensed celebrity images) or design element        printing technologies (e.g., embroidery) may have a higher        constant than others, reflecting a higher value design element);    -   BDE is a base price for the given design element; and    -   BSP is the base price for the product

Optionally, with reference to FIGS. 3S-1, 3S-2, the price may becalculated in real time as the user changes the size of the designelement and the price may be updated and displayed to the user in realtime for the current design element size. Thus, for example, if the useris dragging a corner of a design element to increase or decrease thedesign element size, an item price may be continuously calculated anddisplayed to reflect the change in size. As illustrated in FIG. 3S-1, afirst price is calculated and presented for a t-shirt having an appliedphotograph of a relatively small size. As illustrated in FIG. 3S-2, asecond price (higher than the first price) is calculated and presentedfor the t-shirt having the same photograph, but of a larger size,applied. Other user modifications (e.g., change in product, change insize of product, number of customizations) that may affect the productprice may also be calculated and presented in real-time to the user

A shopping cart user interface may be displayed in response to a userselected a shopping cart link (e.g., which may be associated with ashopping cart icon), in response to the user activating a checkoutcontrol, or otherwise. The shopping cart user interface may includedetails on items that the user had added to the shopping cart. Forexample, the shopping cart user interface may provide an image of agiven item (e.g., a predefined default image, such a front side of anitem), the size(s) being ordered, the item color(s), the quantity, theitem unit cost, the total cost for the number of items being ordered.Optionally, the item image may display user customization (e.g., designelements specified by the user). Optionally, an image of each side (orof a subset of sides) of the item may be displayed with respective usercustomizations. Optionally, user information is displayed. The userinformation may be accessed from a user database that stores informationpreviously provided by the user. The user information may include a username and/or other identifier, user contact information (e.g., emailaddress, short message service address, phone number, etc.), and ashipping address.

If a given item customized with an image and/or text template associatedwith a template expiration date/time is in the shopping cart,optionally, a countdown timer may be provided for display that indicateshow long the user has to order the customized item before it may nolonger be ordered. Optionally, a communication (e.g., an email, textmessage, or other message type) may be transmitted by the system to acorresponding user destination informing the user of an upcomingexpiration or non-usage date/time (e.g., a specified time period beforethe upcoming expiration date/time).

The shopping cart user interface may also include a menu of itemproviders (e.g., a menu of shops) the user can select from. In responseto a user selection, a corresponding item provider electronic storefront may be accessed and provided for display to the user.

FIG. 3T-1 illustrates an example shopping cart user interface. In theillustrated example, the shopping cart user interface shows the contentsof the shopping cart (including images of the items in the shoppingcart), and optionally enables the user to select one or more items at atime in the shopping cart and change the size and/or quantity of theselected item(s). If it is detected that the user has not selected aquantity or a size of a given item in the user cart, the example errormessage illustrated in FIG. 3T-2 may optionally be presented.

FIGS. 3V-3X illustrates additional example user interfaces that may beused to customize an item. Referring to FIG. 3V, in this example, theuser has selected a hoodie sport jacket. In this example, an imagecorresponding to the front side of the jacket is accessed from memoryand displayed as a default side, optionally in an item providerspecified default color or a color specified by the user. The image maybe a two dimensional or three-dimensional model (where the surface of adepicted item is rendered in three dimensions).

The front side may be the pre-specified default side that is displayed.In addition, a side selection control is provided in the form of backand forward arrows. The user may activate the side selection control toscroll through available side images in a backwards or forwardsdirection. The corresponding image of the selected side is displayed bythe user interface, with any design areas indicated (e.g., with a borderand/or a design area identifier). In the illustrated example, the userinterface indicates, via respective borders and identifiers, that thejacket has four design areas that had been specified by the itemprovider (design area 1—chest, design area 2—muff, design area 3—rightsleeve, design area 4—left sleeve). A control may be provided via whichthe user can add the item to the user's shopping cart.

Referring again to FIG. 3V, template, text, and image controls areprovided via which the user can initiate the adding of a predefinedtemplate, text, or an image to a selected design area. If the userselects the template control, a gallery of templates may be displayed.The user may select a template from the template gallery, which willthen be automatically displayed on the previously selected design area.If the user selects the image control, a gallery of images, such as thatillustrated in FIG. 3W may be displayed. The user may select an imagefrom the image gallery, which will then be automatically displayed onthe previously selected design area.

Optionally, when the user selects the add template, text, or imagecontrols, a corresponding gallery may slide up to cover only a portionof the user interface (e.g., 25% or 50% of the user interface) to enablethe user to see both the image of the product being customized and thecorresponding gallery. Optionally, a control may be provided thatenables the user to cause the gallery to expand to a full screen mode.FIG. 3X illustrates an example user interface, were an image gallerycovers about half of the user interface. When the user selects a galleryitem, it may be automatically displayed on the selected design area onthe image of the product, and the gallery may slide down or otherwise beremoved so that the product with the gallery item added to the selecteddesign area may be fully viewed.

FIG. 3Y illustrates a “My products” user interface which displays one ormore of the user customized designs. If the user selects the “Products”control than all available products (or a subset thereof) may bedisplayed via the user interface.

Certain example item provider online shop setup user interfaces will nowbe described. A user interface, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4A, maybe provided via which a user (e.g., a shop owner) may enter informationfor setting up an account (e.g., first name, least name, email, address,password, phone number, other contact information, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 4B, a create shop user interface is provided thatincludes a field configured to receive a shop name and a domain for theshop. Optionally, in response to the user activating a save control, thesystem will check to see if either the shop name or domain has alreadybeen assigned to another user, and it the shop name or domain hasalready been assign, a corresponding notification is generated and theuser is notified to select an alternative name and/or domain.

In response to the user successfully entering a shop name and domain,the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4C is presented promptingthe user to add items to the user's shop. An item/product may bespecified using the other interfaces described herein.

Referring to FIG. 4D, a shop settings user interface may be providedthat may include some or all of the following fields: shop name, shopdomain name (where the top level domain may be optionally associatedwith the system operator), shop logo (wherein a user may upload a logoor provide a link to the logo, and background image (in the form of aPNG, SVG, GIF, or other image file, which may be uploaded or linked toby the user). Different background colors or images may be assigned fordifferent products or for different colored products. For example, ablack background color may be assigned to white colored products toenhance contrast and to thereby enhance visibility of the product image.In addition, a control may optionally be provided via which a user canspecify a background color to be used for the shop user interface(s).Controls may be provided via which the user can instruct the system toreplace or remove a previously selected log, color, or background image.A font menu may be provided via which a user can specify which font isto be used for the shop, and a color control may be provided via whichthe user can specify a font color. A review control is provided whichwhen activated, causes the system to generate a preview of the shop userinterface in accordance with the user setup instructions. When a user issatisfied with the preview, the user may activate a publish control,which will cause the shop to be made accessible (e.g., over the Internetvia a browser and/or via a dedicated item customization application) andwill cause the setup instructions to be stored in association with ashop account.

One or more of the systems described herein may be configured togenerate order reports for a plurality of item providers (e.g., onlineshops). For example, with reference to FIG. 4E, an ordering system mayaccess order information from an order database and generate theillustrated report. The report may be limited, via one or more filters,to a specified time period, to one or more shops, to one or moreusers/customers, to one or more user/customer contacts or shippingaddresses, to one or more products (e.g., the n most popular products),to one or more product-types (e.g., the n most popular product-types),to one or more templates (e.g., the n most popular templates), to one ormore colors (e.g., the n most popular colors), to one or more fonts(e.g., the n most popular fonts), to one or more edit-types (e.g., the nmost popular edit-types), and/or to sales above or below a specifiedthreshold amount. In the illustrated electronic report, the systemaccesses shop owner data, purchase date/time data, customer name,customer email, and purchase amount and populates respective reportcolumns in a report table, where each row may correspond to a differentitem provider (e.g., a different online shop). Sorting controls may beprovided for one or more columns which enable a user to specify whetherthe report rows are to be sorted in an ascending or descending orderbased on the data in the column associated with the selected sortcontrol. For example, a sorting menu may be provided via which the usercan cause the report to be sorted according to relative popularity oftemplates (e.g., image and/or text templates), relative popularity offonts, relative popularity of color, relative popularity of edits,relative popularity of product, relative popularity of product-type,etc.

As similarly discussed elsewhere herein, optionally, one or more of thesystems and processes described herein may be configured to enable auser (e.g., a product provider, an intellectual property licensor,someone acting on behalf of the product provider or licensor, etc.) tospecify a palette of colors (e.g., solid colors, or patterns, such aplaid, stripped, rainbow, etc.), assets, content (e.g., text or graphiccontent), fonts, and/or special effects, that may be utilized by otherusers (e.g., end users, licensees, etc.) in customizing a product or incustomizing a design element. Certain related example user interfaceswill now be described.

The example user interfaces described herein may optionally be optimizedand structured for use on a relatively small touch display (e.g., on aphone or tablet with a display of less than 7 inches diagonal), althoughthey may be utilized on larger, non-touch displays as well (e.g., thatof a laptop or desktop computer). Thus, for example, various exampleuser interfaces may be selected or manipulated via touch. Becausecertain example improved user interfaces and their structures areoptimized for computing devices with touchscreens, it makes it easierfor a user to more accurately provide instructions and content via touchinput as compared to conventional user interfaces, thereby reducing userinput errors. By contrast, many conventional user interfaces tend toprovide too much data and/or controls at the same time, making itdifficult for the user to locate and selectively touch a desired item ofdata or control, particularly when displayed on a relatively smalldisplay, such as a phone display.

Further, certain example user interfaces are structured to clearlydisplay more important data utilizing a compact structure of icons,graphics, and text. In addition, the example optional user interfaceflows makes it easier for a user to provide the desired instructions andcontent utilizing a small display, and reduces the amount of navigationneeded between user interfaces and well as reducing the chance of anerroneous input.

Thus, conventional user interfaces have many deficits relating to theefficient functioning of user devices, requiring a user to navigate andswitch through many user interfaces and views to find the desired dataand functionality. Further, because of the relatively small displays ofcertain devices, such as phones, conventionally data and functionalityare divided into many layers or views, and conventional interfacesrequire users to navigate through many layers of interfaces on such asmall display to access the desired data or functionality.

By contrast, certain of the disclosed improved interfaces enable a userto more quickly access desired data stored in, and functions of thedisclosed applications with fewer navigation steps and switching of userinterfaces, and enable a user to provide user inputs with reducederrors. The following example user interfaces may optionally receiveuser inputs via touch, voice, mouse or touchpad clicks, and/or physicalkeyboard entry.

In this example, if the user selects a sticker creation control (e.g.,via a menu), the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4F may bedisplayed. FIG. 4F illustrates an example sticker creation userinterface that enables a user (e.g., a product provider or intellectualproperty licensor) to define a sticker (e.g., a single design element,such as a single graphic/image (e.g., of one or more characters), alogo, a brand name, etc.). The example user interface includes anindication that the user is engaged in a sticker creation process (e.g.,via the label “Sticker Creation”). An image of a product for which thesticker is being created is provided (a t-shirt in this example). Theimage may have been uploaded by the user or selected by the user from alibrary of product images. The image may be a default image specified bythe app. A design area, onto which a sticker may be added, is emphasizedon the product image (outlined using dashed lines in the illustratedexample). At the top of the user interface, controls in the form oficons are provided, including a color icon, a product rotation icon(that enables a user to rotate the view of the product), a refresh icon(which clears previous user edits), and a menu icon.

An add asset control and an add text control are provided. The add assetcontrol enables the user to add an image content asset (e.g., a graphic,photograph, etc.) to the image of the product. The add text controlenables the user to add text to the image of the product.

FIG. 4G illustrates an example user interface listing a library ofassets (e.g., images, graphics, text, etc.) from which the user mayselect to add the selected asset to an asset palette. The assets mayinclude those previously provided by the user or related entity, and/ormay include a generic set of assets made available to users generally.In addition, the user made enable an end user to provide the end user'sown asset, to be used in customizing the product, where the user selectsand adds the “custom user image” icon to the asset palette field.

In response to the user selecting an asset, the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 4H is presented. The user interface displays theselected asset in the design area (identified via a design area border)on the image of the product, optionally surrounded by an asset border. A“−” delete control is provided (e.g., on the asset border, proximate toor on a border corner) via which the user can delete the asset from theimage by focusing on the delete control (e.g., touching or clicking onthe delete control or providing a delete voice command). The userinterface enables the user to change the size and/or height/width ratioof the asset, rotate the asset, and/or move the asset by dragging (e.g.,using a finger or other pointer) a side or corner of the asset and/orasset border. Lock controls are provided via which the user can lock (orunlock) various properties of the asset as displayed on the productimage, such as resizing of the asset, rotating the asset, and addinglayers (e.g., other graphics, text, etc.) over the asset. A save controlis provided which the user can select to save the sticker as positionedand edited by the user. A paint can color “palette” icon is presentedvia which the user can control sticker colors, as discussed below.

If the user selects the paint can color palette icon, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4I is displayed. The user can activate a“default color” control, select a default color for the sticker from ascrollable menu of colors (displayed as a row in this example), andactivate a default control to set the selected color as the defaultcolor. A “color” rectangle (positioned to the side of “set as a defaultcontrol” in this example) is provided colored with the original color ofthe selected asset (a color that had been uploaded with the asset). Forexample, the asset may be uploaded (e.g., as a png file) as atransparent graphic with an associated color(s) (e.g., solid colors, orpatterns, such a plaid, stripped, rainbow, etc.). The color rectanglemay be displayed with a backslash and the notation “original” color toindicate that the asset is being displayed in the original color.

If the user selects a color from the color menu, as illustrated in FIG.4J, the color of the asset is changed to the selected color, the “color”rectangle (previously displayed with a backslash and the notation“original” color) is colored to correspond to the selected color, andthe corresponding color code (e.g., FFDC03) is determined and displayed.If the user selects the “set as default” control, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4K is displayed, with the default coloradded to a color palette field towards the top of the user interface,with a corresponding notation (e.g., “main color (this is the defaultcolor for this sticker)”).

Referring to FIG. 4K, a lock icon is provided via which the user canlock (e.g., by touching or clicking on an open lock symbol) the defaultcolor so that an end user (e.g., looking to customize the product orsticker) can only change the asset color using the color(s) specified inthe color palette field (the default color in this example), rather thanfrom the color menu as a whole. The user can unlock (e.g., by touchingor clicking on a closed lock symbol) the default color so that an enduser can change the asset color.

With reference to FIG. 4L, if the user selects the color palette controland the circle-backslash symbol, the color/pattern that had beenuploaded with the asset will be selected, and the color rectangle willbe displayed with a corresponding indication (e.g., a backslash symboland the corresponding color code). If the user activates the “add topalette” control, the uploaded color will be added to the color palettefrom which end users may select, as illustrated in FIG. 4M (adjacent tothe notation “user can only use these colors for the sticker”).

The user can select still other colors and add them to the color paletteby activating the add to palette command, as illustrated in FIG. 4N. Theselected colors will be displayed in the color palette field.Optionally, the default color will emphasized relative to the othercolors in the color palette field. For example, the default color may bedisplayed first in the color palette field to indicate that it is thedefault color. When the user selects a color to add to the colorpalette, the color of the asset (as displayed in the “add to palette”user interface) is changed to the selected color.

If the user unlocks the palette (e.g., by selecting the lock icon) asillustrated in FIG. 4O, then optionally the selected palette may bepresented to end users as recommended colors and/or the colors in thepalette may be presented in a prominent position (e.g., first), but theuser can select other colors (including other patterns) to utilize incustomizing the asset. Optionally instead, a color menu is provided fromwhich the end user may select (which may optionally include the samecolors as the color menu viewed by the user when defining the colorpalette), and colors included in an unlocked palette are not provided ina more prominent position (but are included in the color menu at theirtypical position).

If the user clicks outside of the asset border in the user interface (orother designated location) illustrated in FIG. 4O, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4P is presented. The illustrated userinterface provides separate lock controls for resizing, rotating, andlayers. Thus, for example, a user can selectively lock or unlockresizing, rotating, and/or adding layers to the asset. On or adjacent tothe paint can symbol, a number indicating the number of colors (e.g.,solid colors, patterns, etc.) in the palette is presented. The user canactivate a save sticker command to save the sticker, modificationsthereto, the defined palettes, and the various specified permissions.Once the user activates the save sticker control, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4Q is presented, indicating whatmodifications an end user may or may not make. The user can activate thedone control to save the various lock and unlock instructions.

With reference to FIG. 4R, the product and the sticker (optionally inthe default color) are displayed on multiple images of the product,where the product is in a different color in each image. The user canselect one or more the different colored versions of the product toindicate on what product colors the sticker is to be made available forto end users. Optionally, the user interface may include images ofdifferent products (e.g., t-shirt, hoodie, backpack), with each productdisplayed in multiple colors. The user interface thus enables the userto specify, by selecting images, both what products and what productcolors the sticker to be made available for. The user can select the“save sticker” control to save the selections. A saved confirmationindication may be provided in response to the user selecting the savesticker control.

FIG. 4S illustrates the user interface presented in response to a userselection of the menu icon. The menu includes controls for initiatingthe creation of a sticker, initiating the creation of a template (whichmay include multiple assets), accessing saved stickers, accessing savedtemplates, accessing assets uploaded or otherwise provided by the user,accessing palettes (e.g., color, content, assets, fonts, effects, etc.)defined by the user, previewing a product (including a saved sticker ortemplate), and accessing settings.

Certain example template user interfaces will not be described, where atemplate may include several separate design elements (e.g., an image,text, a background, etc.). It is understood that certain user interfacesprovided for defining templates may be similarly utilized for definingstickers (e.g., those related to text fonts and effects, colors, etc.).

If the user selects a create template control (e.g., via the menudescribed above), the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4T ispresented, displaying the product image and a “create template”indicator so that the user is formed of the process the user is engagedin. If the user clicks within the design area border (or otherdesignated location), then the example user interface illustrated inFIG. 4U is displayed. A label (e.g., “template creation”) is providedindicating the user is engaging in a template creation process (asopposed to a sticker creation process). Controls are provided via whichthe user can add an asset, add text, or save a user edited or createdtemplate. The save template control may be rendered as inactive (e.g.,using a greyed out/faded coloring) to indicate that there is no templateto save yet. In addition, as similarly discussed above with respect tothe sticker creation user interfaces, color, product rotation, refresh,and menu icons are presented, which when selected cause correspondingacts to take place. As will be discussed in greater detail, the addasset control enables the user to add a content asset (e.g., a graphic,photograph, animation, etc.) to the template. The add text controlenables the user to add text to the template. A design area border isoptionally provided as similarly discussed above.

If the user selects the add asset control, then the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4V is presented, displaying a library ofassets (e.g., uploaded or otherwise provided by the user, or from alibrary of assets available to all users generally). In addition, theuser may enable an end user to provide the end user's own asset (e.g.,an image or graphic), to be used in customizing the template (andproduct) where the user selects and adds the “custom user image” icon tothe asset palette field.

If the user selects an asset, the example user interface illustrated inFIG. 4W may be presented. The selected asset is displayed on an image ofthe product with a surrounding border, within a design area border. Theselected asset may be displayed in the color it was displayed in via theasset library interface. If the user focuses on the asset displayed onthe image of the product (e.g., touches the asset, clicks on the asset,points at the asset etc.), the associated palettes for that asset may bedisplayed (e.g., the palette icons with the corresponding numberindicating the number of items in the corresponding palette). Lockcontrols are provided via which the user can lock (or unlock) resizingof the asset, rotating the asset, adding layers to the asset, or movingthe asset, to thereby control how much freedom an end user has withrespect to customizing/modifying the asset. The user may move, resize,or change the orientation of the asset by clicking on the asset and/orasset border or corner, and dragging it as desired.

If the user selects the paint can color palette user icon, the exampleuser interface illustrated in FIG. 4X is displayed. The user interfaceis similar to that discussed above with respect to sticker definition.The user interface includes a horizontal, scrollable menu of colors fromwhich to choose. The user can activate a “default color” control, selecta default color for the sticker from a scrollable menu of colors(displayed as a row in this example), and activate a default control toset the selected color as the default color. A “color” rectangle isprovided colored with the original color of the selected asset (a colorthat had been uploaded with the asset). The color rectangle may bedisplayed with a backslash and the notation “original” color to indicatethat the asset is being displayed in the original color. If the userselects a color from the color menu, as illustrated in FIG. 4Y, thecolor of the asset is changed to the selected color, the “color”rectangle (previously displayed with a backslash and the notation“original” color) is colored to correspond to the selected color, andthe corresponding color code (e.g., FFDC03) is determined and displayed.If the user selects the “set as default” control, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4Z is displayed, with the default coloradded to a color palette field towards the top of the user interface,with the notation of “main color (this is the default color for thissticker)”.

A lock icon is provided via which the user can lock (e.g., by touchingor clicking on an open lock symbol) the default color so that an enduser (e.g., looking to customize the product) can only change the assetcolor of the template using the color(s) specified in the color palettefield (the default color in this example), rather than from the colormenu as a whole. The user can unlock (e.g., by touching or clicking on aclosed lock symbol) the default color so that an end user can change theasset color.

With reference to FIG. 4AA, if the user selects the color palettecontrol and the circle-backslash symbol, the color/pattern that had beenuploaded with the asset will be selected, and the color rectangle willbe displayed with a corresponding indication (e.g., a backslash symboland the corresponding color code). If the user activates the “add topalette” control, the uploaded color will be added to the color palettefrom which end users may select, as illustrated in FIG. 4BB (adjacent tothe notation “user can only use these colors for the sticker”).

The user can select still other colors and add them to the color paletteby activating the add to palette command, as illustrated in FIG. 4CC.The selected colors will be displayed in the template color palettefield. Optionally, the default color will emphasized relative to theother colors in the color palette field. For example, the default colormay be displayed first in the color palette field to indicate that it isthe default color. When the user selects a color to add to the palette,the color of the asset (as displayed in the “add to palette” userinterface) is changed to the selected color.

If the user unlocks the palette (e.g., by selecting the lock icon), thenoptionally the selected palette may be presented to end users asrecommended colors for customizing and/or the colors in the palette maybe presented in a prominent position (e.g., first), but the user canselect other colors (including other patterns) to utilize in customizingthe asset. Optionally instead, a color menu is provided from which theend user may select (which may optionally include the same colors as thecolor menu viewed by the user when defining the color palette) forcustomizing the template, and colors included in an unlocked palette arenot provided in a more prominent position (but are included in the colormenu at their typical position).

If the user clicks outside of the asset border in the user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 4CC (or at other designated location), the exampleuser interface illustrated in FIG. 4DD is presented. The user interfaceprovides separate lock controls for resizing, rotating, and layers.Thus, for example, a user can selectively lock or unlock resizing,rotating, and/or adding layers to the asset. On or adjacent to the paintcan symbol, a number indicating the number of colors (e.g., solidcolors, patterns, etc.) in the palette is presented.

In this example, a photo/image icon is displayed towards the top of theuser interface. In response to the user activating the photo/image icon,the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4EE may be displayed,including the previously added asset. If a default asset (e.g., aphotograph, image, graphic, etc.) had previously been specified, thecorresponding asset may be displayed on the product image and below theproduct image.

In response to the user activating the image palette control illustratedin FIG. 4EE, the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4FF may bedisplayed. The user interface indicates which palettes have currentlybeen defined, with a numerical indication as to how many items areassociated with a given palette. In response to the user activating the“+” control (for accessing an image asset library, which may includeimages selected or provided by the product provider, intellectualproperty licensor, or someone acting on their behalf), the userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4GG may be displayed. The user interfacedepicts the product, the previously added asset, and a scrollablelibrary of images. Using the illustrated user interface, the user canselect an image, and the image will be displayed on the product image(optionally at the same time as the previously added asset(s)),optionally within a border, as illustrated in FIG. 4HH. In addition, theuser may enable an end user to customize the product using an enduser-provided image, where the user selects and adds the “custom userimage” icon to the image asset palette field.

The user can add additional (non-default) image assets to the imageasset palette field (e.g., one asset at a time to reduce the possibilityof an inadvertent asset selection, or multiple assets at the same timeto speed by the asset selection) by selecting (e.g., via touch) one ormore assets and activating an “add to image palette” control. Inresponse to the user activating the “add to image palette” control, theexample user interface illustrated in FIG. 4II may be displayed.

With reference to FIG. 4II, the additional image assets are displayed inthe asset palette field and optionally below the product image.Optionally, palettes (e.g., color, font, effect, etc.) associated withone image asset (e.g., a default image asset) may be automaticallyassociated with other image assets added to the image asset palette(although optionally, the user can modify such palettes for each asset).An icon may be displayed (e.g., a lock icon) indicating whether or notan end user may change the color of image asset. The user may change thecurrent restriction on color change from lock to unlock, or from unlockto lock. The user can activate the add image to palette control (“+”),to add additional images from the image asset library to the image assetpalette.

As illustrated in FIG. 4JJ, if the user selects the “custom user image”icon, than a corresponding image may be displayed on the product image,indicating that an end user may add their own image (although the usermay still specify the color, size, and position the image may be whenused to customize the product/template). In response to the useractivating the “add to image palette” control, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4KK may be displayed. The added image (inthis example, the custom user image icon) is displayed in the imageasset field and underneath the product image, as well as on the productimage. Optionally, a control may be provided via which the user canspecify that only those image assets included user specified image assetpalette may be used by end users (or licensees or someone acting ontheir behalf) in customizing the corresponding portion of the templatewhen customizing the product.

Optionally, in response to the user focusing on (e.g., touching orclicking on) an area outside of the product image or other designatedlocation, a content lock user interface, such as that illustrated inFIG. 4LL, may be presented via which the user can lock (or unlock)resizing of the asset, rotating the asset, adding layers to the asset,or moving the asset, to thereby specify how much freedom an end user haswith respect to customizing the asset.

FIG. 4MM illustrates an example user interface providing controls viawhich the user can add an asset, add text, or save a user edited orcreated template. The save template control may be rendered as inactive(e.g., using a greyed out/faded coloring) to indicate that there is notemplate to save yet.

In response to the user activating the add text control, the exampleuser interface illustrated in FIG. 4NN may be displayed. A text area(outlined with a text area border) is displayed on the product image atthe same time the previously added asset is displayed, and an onscreenkeyboard is displayed via which the user can enter text. When the userhas finished entering the desired text, the user can select a donecontrol, and the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4OO may bedisplayed.

With reference to FIG. 4OO, lock controls are provided via which theuser can lock (or unlock) resizing of the text, rotating the text,adding layers to the text, or moving the text, to thereby specify howmuch freedom an end user has with respect to customizing the text. Theuser may move, resize, or change the orientation of the text by clickingon the text and/or text border or corner, and dragging it as desired. Assimilarly discussed above, a delete control may be provided (e.g., onthe text area border) which when selected causes the system to deletethe text and text area. In addition, a paint can color pallet icon, afont icon, a text effect icon, and a content icon are displayed.Optionally, a number may be displayed in association with a given iconindicating how many items (e.g., colors, fonts, texts, effects, content,etc.) have been designated for the corresponding palette.

If the user selects the font icon (“Aa” in the illustrated example), theexample user interface in FIG. 4PP may be displayed. The user canspecify a main or default font by scrolling through fonts via forwardand reverse controls. A given font may be displayed in a font field(e.g., using the font name in the corresponding font (e.g., RadicalLife)). The text displayed on the product changes to the displayed font.The user can select a “set as main/default font” control to set thedisplayed font as the main/default font for the displayed user enteredtext. For example, if the user selects the forward arrow, the fontdisplayed in the font field may change to a different font name and thetext may change to the different font, as illustrated in FIG. 4QQ. Ifthe user selects the “set as main/default font” control, then thedisplayed font will be set as the main/default font, and a correspondingfont indicator will be displayed in a font palette area at the time ofthe user interface (e.g., by font name or by using letters in theselected font, e.g., AA) as illustrated in FIG. 4RR. A label may beprovided that indicates that the font indicator in the font palette areahas been set as the default font (e.g., “main font (this is the defaultfont of the asset)”).

If the user selects the font palette control, an “add to font palette”control is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 4SS. The user can scrollthrough the different fonts (and the text displayed on the product willchange accordingly). When the user activates the “add to font palette”control, the font will be displayed in the font palette field alongsidethe default font, as illustrated in FIG. 4TT. Optionally, the defaultfont will emphasized relative to the other fonts. For example, thedefault font may be displayed first in the font palette field toindicate it is the default font. If the user selects an area outside ofthe product image or other designated area, the example lock userinterface (as similarly discussed above) illustrated in FIG. 4UU isdisplayed. The font icon is displayed in association with a number thatindicates how many fonts are in the font palette.

If the user selects the paint can color palette user icon, the exampleuser interface illustrated in FIG. 4VV may be displayed. The userinterface includes horizontal, scrollable menus of colors from which tochoose. A first row of colors may be utilized to set the fill color ofthe text, while the second row of colors may be utilized to set theoutline/border color of the text. The user can select a color (from thefill color menu) and set it as the default color for the text fill, andselect a color (from the outline/border color menu) and set it as thedefault color for the text outline, by selecting a “set as default”control. The “color” rectangle is initially blank with an “original”indication. If the user selects a color, the “color” rectangle changesto the selected color. There may be two “color” rectangles, one for thefill color and one for the outline/border color. If the user selects the“set as default” control for the fill or outline color, the selectedcolor is displayed in the color palette field at the top of the userinterface, as illustrated in FIG. 4WW. The user can change the fill oroutline default color by selecting another color as activating the setas default control.

If the user selects the color palette control, the user can addadditional colors to the color palette by selecting additional colors,as illustrated in FIG. 4XX The user can also reset the default textcolor (for the text fill or text border/outline) to the original colorby selecting a reset color symbol from the row of colors. The colorsselected for the text fill are displayed in the color palette as solidcolored discs. The colors selected for the text outline/border may bepresented in the color palette field as a black disc with anoutline/border in the second color. Optionally, the default color willbe displayed first in the color palette field to indicate it is thedefault text color.

FIG. 4YY illustrates an example text lock user interface that enablesthe user to lock various text properties. In this example, lock controlsare provided via which the user can lock (or unlock) resizing of theuser entered text, rotating the text, adding layers to the text, ormoving the text, to thereby specify how much freedom an end user haswith respect to customizing the user entered text. As similarlydiscussed above, a number is displayed in association with respectivepalette icons (e.g., the paint can color palette icon, the font paletteicon, the effects palette icon (e.g., arced lined), etc.) indicating thenumber of user-selected items in the corresponding palette.

If the user selects the effects icon, the user interface illustrated inFIG. 4ZZ may be displayed. The user may set a default effect for theuser entered text by selecting an effect from a listed menu of effects(e.g., none, arc 1, arc 2, wave 1, wave 2, wave 3). The text on theproduct image will be modified in accordance with the selected effect.In this example, the user selected “none” and selected the “set as maineffect” control, and in response, the “none” icon is displayed in theeffects palette field as the default effect, as illustrated in FIG.4AAA.

Referring to FIG. 4BBB, in the illustrated example user interface, theuser has selected the “effect palette” control (to add more effects tothe effects palette) and has selected the arc 2 effect. In response, thetext on the product image is modified utilizing the arc 2 effect. If theuser selects the “add to effects palette” control, then the selectedeffect is added to the effects palette. If the user clicks the userinterface outside of the product image, the example lock user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 4CCC may be displayed. As similarly discussed above,the user can selectively lock resizing of the text, rotating of thetext, layering the text, and moving the text.

If the user selects the content palette icon (a paper and pencil icon inthis example), the user interface illustrated in FIG. 4DDD may bedisplayed. The user interface enables the user to specify one or moreitems of content (e.g., text, graphics, images, etc.) from which an enduser can select. Optionally, a content provider (or agent thereof) maycreate an image content palette and enables permissions to be set onimages so the images can be replaced by end users with other imagesuploaded by the product provider (or, optionally, the product providermay enable the end user to replace an image provided by the productprovider with an image of the end user). The user can select a “defaultcontent” control to specify the default content to be displayed in agiven area. In this example, the user has added the content “JamesLoves”. The user may move, resize, or change the orientation of thecontent by clicking on the content and/or content border or corner, anddragging it as desired. The default content (or a portion thereof) maybe displayed in the content palette field, optionally with a label(e.g., “main content (this is the default content for this asset)”).

If the user selects the “default content” control, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4EEE may be displayed. A keyboard isprovided via which the user can enter new text (or emoji) content.Optionally, the user interface may be enabled to enter new next or othercontent via handwriting (e.g., using a finger, stylus, or mouse). As theuser enters in text (where the phrase “text” includes emojis unless thecontext indicates otherwise), the text is optionally incrementallydisplayed on the product image, character-by-character. If the useractivates the “set as default content” control, the user entered contentwill be set as the default content, and will be displayed in the contentpalette field as the default content.

If the user selects the “content palette” control, the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4FFF will be displayed. If the useractivates the “add content” control, a keyboard (or drawing area) willbe displayed, and the user can enter new text (e.g., “Mike Loves”), asillustrated in FIG. 4GGG. If the user enters text and selects the “addto content palette” control, the user entered text will be added to thecontent palette field, as illustrated in FIG. 4HHH. Optionally, thedefault content will be displayed first in the content palette field toindicate it is the default content. The user may lock the contentpalette (e.g., by selecting a lock control) to prevent an end user frommodifying or replacing the content in the template and on the product.

FIG. 4III illustrates an example content lock user interface via whichthe user can lock (or unlock) resizing of the content, rotating thecontent, adding layers to the content, or moving the content, to therebyspecify how much freedom an end user has with respect to customizing thecontent. The user can optionally first move, resize, and/or rotate eachdesign element (e.g., images, text, etc.) displayed on the productimage, and then lock resizing, rotation, layering, and/or movement ofthe text.

With reference to FIG. 4JJJ, the product and the content are displayedon multiple images of the product, where the product is in a differentcolor in each image. The user can select one or more the differentcolored versions of the product to indicate on what product colors thecontent is to be made available for to end users. Optionally, the userinterface may include images of different products (e.g., t-shirt,hoodie, backpack), with each product displayed in multiple colors. Theuser interface thus enables the user to specify, by selecting images,both what products and what product colors the template to be madeavailable for. The user can select the “save template” control to savethe selections. A saved confirmation indication may be provided inresponse to the user selecting the save template control.

Certain additional example user interfaces will now be described viawhich an end user (e.g., a product purchaser) may customize a product inaccordance with palettes (e.g., image, asset, color, font, and/or effectpalettes) and restrictions specified by a product provider orintellectual property licensor (or someone acting on their behalf)utilizing, by way of example, user interfaces and processes describedherein. The user interfaces may be presented via an applicationinstalled on the end user device or via a website, by way of example. Aswill be described, advantageously if certain design elements havecertain characteristics that have been locked (e.g., color, font,content, etc.), then optionally the corresponding controls are notdisplayed or accessible, thereby efficiently utilizing display space andavoiding confusing the end user (and reducing end user input errors).

FIG. 4KKK illustrates an example user interface depicting an image of aproduct selected by an end user (e.g., via an interactive catalog, suchas described elsewhere herein). In addition, controls are provided viawhich the end user can “like” a product (e.g., add it to a wish list),add a product (e.g., with end user customization) to an electronicshopping cart, and access templates (e.g., via a template icon) and/orstickers. In response to the end user selecting the template control,the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4LLL may be presented.The user interface presents a palette of templates (e.g., defined usinginterfaces and processes described herein) that the end user may selectfrom to customize the product selected by the end user. As discussedelsewhere herein, different palettes may be defined for differentproducts and/or product types.

In response to the end user selecting a template from the templatepalette, the selected template may be displayed in real time on theproduct image at a template designated location, as in the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 4MMM. The selected template may includemultiple design elements, such as graphics, photographs, text, etc. Byway of illustration, a template may include graphics of multiple cartoonor comic book characters, a background, and text. Optionally, a giventemplate design element may be associated with a respective set ofrestrictions (e.g., with respect to content that may be replaced,template orientation, layering, change in size, etc.).

By way of illustration, if the selected template includes a cartooncharacter, the end user may select the cartoon character (e.g., bytouching, pointing at, or clicking on the cartoon character). Inresponse, a palette of content items (e.g., other cartoon characters)previously defined (e.g., by a product provider) may be presented. Inresponse to the end user selecting a template content item (e.g., acartoon character), the selected content item may replace the previouslyselected content item on the product image.

In this example, the end user has selected a photograph on the productimage. In response, the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4NNNmay be presented. In this example, a palette of content items (e.g.,other photographs, graphics, text, etc.) previously defined (e.g., by aproduct provider) may be presented. In response to the end userselecting a content item, the selected content item may replace thepreviously selected content item on the product image. In this example,the end user has selected a template that includes text (“I love”) andthat enables the end user to supply the user's own photograph for thetemplate (by selecting a graphic of a schematic of a photograph,including a mountain and moon, in this example, that indicates the usermay use a custom image). In response to the end user selecting thecustom image graphic, the user interface illustrated in FIG. 4OOO may bepresented.

The example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4OOO includes a control(a camera icon) that enables the end user to take a photograph using acamera on the end user's device (e.g., a camera-equipped phone) and acontrol to access photographs from a photograph data store associatedwith the end user (e.g., on the end user's device, from a cloud datastore, or otherwise). In this example, the end user selects a photographfrom the data store, and in response, the selected photograph isdisplayed on the product image in the location identified by thetemplate, as illustrated in FIG. 4QQQ. In response to the end userselecting the template text (“I love”), a previously defined a paletteof phrases/text (e.g., defined by a product provider) may be presented,as illustrated in FIG. 4RRR, from which the end user may select toutilize as template text. In this example, the product provider haspermitted the end user to provide custom text, and so a “custom” textcontrol is provided. In the product provider did not enable the end userto add custom text to the template, then optionally the “custom” textcontrol is not displayed. In response to the end user activating the“custom” text control, the example user interface illustrated in FIG.4SSS may be presented.

As illustrated in FIG. 4SSS, a keyboard is presented via which the usercan type in text (or handwriting area may be presented via which textmay be entered via a finger, stylus, or other pointing device)), whichreplaces the original text from the previously selected template (“I doit” replaces “I love”). The typed in text may incrementally be displayedin the text area of the template in real time. If the font and colorwere locked (e.g., by the product provider), then the end user isinhibited from modifying the font and color of the end user-enteredtext. When the end user has completed entering the text, the end usercan activate a done control, and the example user interface illustratedin FIG. 4TTT may be presented. The user interface illustrated in FIG.4TTT depicts the front of the product with the end user selectedphotograph and the end user entered text, utilizing the positioning,font, and default colors specified by the product provider for thecorresponding template.

In response to the end user activating the rotation control (e.g., anicon of a circle composed of two arrowed lines) the image of the productis rotated or replaced to show the backside of the product, asillustrated in FIG. 4UUU. In this example, the image displays a templatecomprising text defined by the product provider (“Your Last Name”). Inresponse to the end user selecting (e.g., touching or pointing at) thetext on the product image, the example user interface illustrated inFIG. 4VVV may be presented. The end user may select a phrases control,and a palette of phrases/text previously defined (e.g., by a productprovider) may be presented from which the end user may select to utilizeas template text. In this example, the product provider has permittedthe end user to provide custom text, and so a “custom” text control isprovided (otherwise, the “custom” text control may optionally beinhibited from being displayed). In response to the end user activatingthe “custom” text control, the keyboard (or a drawing area) isdisplayed. As the end user enters text via the touch keyboard (or bydrawing in the drawing area), the text replaces the original text(“Michaels” replaces “Your last name”). The typed-in text may optionallybe incrementally displayed in the text area in real time as the end usertypes in characters. In response to the end user selecting a “done”control, the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4WWW may bepresented. In this example, the product provider has permitted the enduser to change the text color, and so a menu of colors is presented(otherwise, the color menu may optionally be inhibited from beingdisplayed). The end user may select a color (e.g., by touching orpointing at a desired color), and the text will change to the selectedcolor in real time.

In response to the end user completing the color selection (e.g., byclicking outside the product image or at other appropriate location),the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 4XXX may be presented,displaying the image of the backside of the product with the end userentered text in the end user selected color. In response to the end userselecting the rotation command, the example user interface illustratedin FIG. 4YYY may be displayed. The end user may add the customizedproduct to the shopping cart (and purchase the customized product), orcontinue modifying the templates.

In the foregoing discussion of example end user customization userinterfaces, it is understood that if the product provider (orintellectual property licensor or someone acting on their behalf)defined palettes for fonts and/or text effects, user interfaces may bepresented enabling the end user to customize the text using such fontand/or effect palettes. Further, if the product provider grantedpermission to resize, move, rotate and/or layer specified templates orcontent items (e.g., graphics, images, text), then corresponding controlmay be provided enabling the end user to accordingly resize, move,rotate and/or layer such templates or content items.

Optionally, tutorial or other help user interfaces may be presented fora product provider and/or for an end user to assist in the use of userinterfaces and processes described herein. For example, a system maydetermine what user interface the user is viewing and/or what feature ofa user interface a user is accessing (e.g., by detecting what control ordesign element the user is touching, pointing at, or otherwise focusingon), and based at least in part on such determination, infer whatoperation the user is attempting to perform. The system may thenadaptively provide help (visually and/or audibly) to guide the user inperforming the operation. For example, if the system detects that a useris touching a color in a color menu, the system may cause a “set asdefault” control and an “add to palette” control to be highlighted(e.g., by changing the control color, by drawing a boarder around thecontrol, by flashing the control, by causing an arrow to point at thecontrol, or otherwise) to indicate that the user may want to set theselected color as a default color or add the selected color to the colorpalette as a non-default color. Optionally, a video and/or audiopresentation may be identified, accessed, and played that illustrates orprovides a description of how one or more features may be utilized.Optionally, a tutorial may be provided that guides the user regardingone or more operations described herein. Optionally, the systemoperator, a product provider, and/or an end user may enable or disablethe provision of such tutorial to the end user.

Certain example operations will now be described with reference to thefigures. Fewer or additional operations may be performed, and theoperations may be performed in a different order. For example, if a userelects not to add text to a design area, then certain related operationsrelated to rending text editing interfaces may not be performed. By wayof further example, if a design does not violate a design rule, thancorresponding error handling operations may not be performed. Inaddition, certain operations that are depicted as being seriallyperformed may be performed in parallel (e.g., at the same time). Certainoperations may be performed by a user device and/or a CAD system.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate example operations that may be performed withrespect to an item provider that is specifying an item and that isspecifying end user customization permissions/restrictions. At block502, an item specification interface is rendered on a user device (e.g.,an item provider device), optionally in response to a user input. Atblock 504, a new item specification is received and stored. For example,the item specification may include item name, item category,description, sizes, item color, and the like. At block 506, an item viewidentification user interface is rendered. At block 508, an item view isselected by the user from a gallery of generic items view or the usermay upload an image of a side of the actual item. The item viewselection or upload is received. At block 510, a color selection userinterface is rendered, optionally in response to a user input. At block512, a color selection is received and stored. For example, a palette ofcolors may be provided, and in response to the user selecting a colorfrom the palette, a corresponding color map may be provided with arange/shades of the selected color. The user may select a particularcolor shade from the map (e.g., using a pointing device, such as amouse, stylus, or finger). Optionally, the user can enter the desiredcolor via a color value field. At block 514, the item in the interfaceis colored using the selected color in real time.

At block 516, an add design area interface is rendered which may providea design area specification tool that enables a user to draw orotherwise specify a design area perimeter and to assign a name to thespecified design area. At block 518, the design area specification anddesign area name are received (e.g., where the design area is drawn bythe user on a given portion of the item, or the user provides numericalcoordinates for the design area).

At block 520, an add image interface is rendered, optionally in responseto a user input. The add image interface may include a gallery ofpreviously stored images and/or may provide a control via which a usercan upload or link to an image. At block 522, an image selection fromthe gallery is received and/or an image upload or link is received. Atblock 524, the selected/uploaded image is rendered in the design area.At block 526, an image color selection is received. For example, theuser may select a color from a displayed palette of colors and inresponse, the interface may access and present a color map correspondingto the color selected by the user. The user may select a desired shadefrom the color map. At block 528, the image color may be changed in realtime to the selected shade. A lock control may also be provided. If thelock control is activated by the user, the image color may be locked toprevent the color from being changed (e.g., by an end user) unless thelock is unlocked.

At blocks 530 and 532, in response to the user selecting an add textcontrol, an add text interface may be presented. The interface mayindicate one or more previously specified design areas, and mayhighlight a user-selected design area. A text field may be provided. Asthe user enters text (e.g., using a provided keyboard, via voice input,or otherwise) the text is displayed in real time in the selected designarea. Formatting controls may be provided via which the user canselect/specify a font, text alignment (e.g., left, right, center), texteffects, character spacing, and/or line spacing. In addition, controlsmay be provided via which the user can rotate the text, change the sizeof the text, and/or lock the text (so that the text cannot be changed byan end user). A design area deletion control may also be provided. Textentry and text formatting specified by the user may be reflected in theselected design area on the item image in real-time.

At block 534, a text color selection is received and stored. Forexample, the user may select a color from a displayed palette of colorsand in response, the interface may access and present a color mapcorresponding to the color selected by the user. The user may select adesired shade from the color map. At block 536, the text color in thedesign area may be changed in real time to the selected shade.

At block 538, an item variant interface may be rendered via which a usercan assign a base price and prices for each specified item variant(e.g., for each combination of available color, available size, andnumber of design areas customizable by an end user). The item variantinterface may also enable the user to specify what type of print optionsmay be used or made available for a given item or item-type. Forexample, the interface may enable an item provider to specify whetherstandard ink, glow-in-the dark ink, and/or embroidery are to be madeavailable to end users to customize a given item. The user inputs may bereceived and stored.

At block 540, a publish command may be received (e.g., in response tothe user activating a publish control). At block 550, the specified itemmay then be saved and published (e.g., to a store associated with theuser).

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate example operations that may be performed withrespect to an end user in customizing an item. At block 602, aninteractive item selection interface may be rendered on a user device(e.g., via a browser or dedicated application). The interactive itemselection interface may display or provide access to a catalog of itemsof one or more stores. At block 604, a user item selection is received.At block 605, customization rules and permissions are accessed frommemory. For example, the customization rules and permissions mayindicate what colors may be used for the item, for each design area, foreach image in a design area, and/or for each item of text in a designarea. By way of further example, the customization rules and permissionsmay indicate what text formatting (e.g., which fonts, alignment,spacing, size, and/or effects) may be used for an item or for a givendesign area on the item. By way of yet example, the customization rulesand permissions may indicate whether a design element (e.g., text or animage) may be rotated, may specify rotation increments, and/or mayspecify a maximum rotation amount. By way of yet example, thecustomization rules and permissions may indicate which design elements(e.g., text or image) that had been applied by the item provider to anitem may be deleted or edited.

At block 606, customization interface may be rendered. The customizationinterface may display an image corresponding to a default side of theuser selected item, optionally in an item provider specified defaultcolor. A side selection control may be provided via which the user canview and select an image of a different side. The design areas specifiedby the item provider may be highlighted on the item image. The user mayselect (e.g., by clicking on) a design area to add to or modify thedesign area. An item color selection interface may be provided (e.g.,including a palette of colors) via which the user can select an itemcolor. At block 608, a user color selection for the item is received. Atblock 610, the item is rendered with the selected color in real time. Atblock 612, a design area selection is received. At block 614, theselected design area is highlighted.

At block 616, a user selection of an add image control is received. Atblock 618, an interface is presented that includes a gallery of imagesthat item the provider indicated may be used to customize the itemand/or selected design area. The interface may include controls viawhich the user can select and upload/link to an image to be added to theselected design area. At block 620, a user image selection or upload isreceived. At block 622, the image is rendered in real time in theselected design area. In addition, the permitted editing tools aredetermined and displayed. For example, depending on therestrictions/permissions specified by the item provider for the item orthe design area, one or more of the following tools may be presented andenabled: resize, drag, rotate, change font, change color, delete, or thelike. Controls that are not permitted may be disabled and optionally notdisplayed, or may be displayed “greyed out” (or otherwise) to indicatethat the controls are not accessible.

At block 623, user edits are received.

At block 624, a determination is made as to whether the user edits haveviolated any edit rules. For example, a determination may be made thatthe user has expanded the size of the image past the border of thedesign area as specified by the item provider. At block 626, if adetermination is made that an edit rule is violated, an errornotification may be generated and provided to the user. For example, thenotification may include one or more of a text notification, an iconnotification, a sound notification, an operational notification (e.g.,snapping the size of the image back to the previous size in response todetecting that the user is attempting to increase the size of the imagein at least one direction or dimension past a threshold size ordimension), or the like. Detection and handling of other ruleviolations, such as violations of rules discussed elsewhere herein, maybe similarly handled. In addition, the user edit that violated the editrule may be inhibited from being included in a design or manufacturingfile for the item, and the user may be prevented from ordering the itemuntil the violation is corrected.

At block 628, a user selection of an add text control is received. Inresponse to receiving the user selection of the text control, at block630 a text entry-type selection interface is rendered. The textentry-type selection interface may include a “create” control and“template” control. At block 632, a template control selection may bereceived via the text entry-type selection interface.

If the user selects the “template” control, at block 634, a gallery ofuser-selectable text templates (e.g., previously entered by the itemprovider) that are permitted for the item/design area is generated andrendered. For example, a given template may include alphanumeric text(e.g., one or more phrases) with an item provider-specified font. Atblock 636, a user selection of a template is received.

If the user selects the “create” control, a user interface is renderedvia which the user can enter the user's own text. For example, thecreate user interface may include a keyboard and a text field.

At block 638, the text (either corresponding to the template text or theuser created text) is rendered in the selected design area withpermitted editing tools. For example, depending on therestrictions/permissions specified by the item provider for the item orthe design area, one or more of the following tools may be presented andenabled: resize, drag, rotate, font, color, or the like. Controls thatare not permitted may be disabled and optionally not displayed, or maybe displayed “greyed out” (or otherwise) to indicate that the controlsare not accessible. The an editing toolbox may be dynamically determinedbased on the item the user is customizing, the design area of the itemthe user is customizing, and/or the type of customization the user isperforming (e.g., adding text or adding an image).

At block 640, user edits are received via the permitted editing tools.For example, the edits may include text rotation, size change, fontchange, color change, or the like.

At block 642, a determination is made as to whether the user edits tothe text have violated any edit rules. For example, a determination maybe made that the user has reduced the size of the below a certain sizespecified by the item provider. At block 644, if a determination is madethat an edit rule is violated, an error indication/notification may begenerated and provided to the user. For example, the notification mayinclude one or more of a text notification, an icon notification, asound notification, an operational notification (e.g., snapping the sizeof the text back to the previous size in response to detecting that theuser is attempting to increase the size of the text in at least onedirection or dimension past a threshold size or dimension), or the like.Detection and handling of other rule violations, such as violations ofrules discussed elsewhere herein, may be similarly handled. In addition,the user edit that violated the edit rule may be inhibited from beingincluded in a design or manufacturing file for the item, and the usermay be prevented from ordering the item until the violation iscorrected.

At block 646, at least partly in response to determining that edit ruleshave not been violated, the user is enabled to submit an order for theuser-customized item (e.g., via an order control).

At block 648, item and customization data may be generated correspondingto the customized item. For example, the item data may include anidentification of the item, the item size (where the size may include anindication as to gender and age (e.g., unisex, men, women, juniors,youth, toddler, infant)), and the item color. The customization data mayinclude print data. For example, data may include data in ppi (pixelsper inch) or vector format. Images may be in the form of JPEG, PNG, SVG,or other format. Text may optionally be converted to an outline format.Colors may be provided using pantone color codes. An image (or images)of templates and/or user provided images and/or text used in thecustomization may be generated as part of the customization data (see,e.g., FIG. 3U-1). An image (or images) of side(s) of the item that havebeen customized may be generated as part of the customization data (see,e.g., FIG. 3U-2). The item data and customization data may be providedin separate files or a single file. At block 650, the item andcustomization data for each design element may be transmitted to aprinting and/or embroidering system. For example, one or more filesincluding the item data and/or the customization data may be transmittedover a network to printing machine for printing. At block 652, thecustomized design elements may be printed or embroidered on the item.For example, the printer may use heat transfer vinyl, screen printing,direct to garment printing, sublimation printing, and/or transferprinting.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for changing the color of animage, which may be used by one or more of the color change operationsdiscussed herein. At block 702, an image whose color is to be changed(e.g., in response to a user color-change instruction) is accessed. Forexample, the image may be in scalable vector graphics (SVG) format whichis defined in an XML text file. At block 704, the color data isidentified. For example, a color entry in the text file may beidentified. At block 706, the color data is edited to correspond to thecolor specified by the user. The color may be in the form of a standardcolor name (e.g., “green,” “red,” “blue”), or via a numerical code(e.g., as a hexadecimal value, as rgb decimal values (e.g., rgb (126,255, 216), as rgb percentages (e.g., rgb (75%, 50%, 25%), or otherwise).At block 708, the image is rendered using the edited color data.

FIG. 8 illustrates example operations that may be performed in detectingdesign rule violations with respect to specifying design areas (e.g.,printable areas). The operations may be used in conjunction with one ormore of the design area specification operations discussed herein. Atblock 802, a design area specification for an item (e.g., a clothingproduct) is received. By way of example, a design area specificationtool may be provided that enables a user to draw or otherwise specify adesign area perimeter. By way of illustration, a user may select thetool, specify a first corner via a pointer (e.g., mouse, stylus,finger), drag the pointer to indicate a diagonally opposite corner, anda corresponding perimeter will be drawn (e.g., using dashed lines orother indicator), which may be in the form of a rectangle or square(although other shapes may be used). At block 804, the design areaoutline (e.g., a border) is drawn on the item. At block 806, adetermination is made as to whether the design area outline violates anydesign rules (e.g., specified by a printing entity or system operator).For example, depending on the printing technology to be used, it may notbe possible to print within a certain distance of an edge of an item,such as within a certain distance of a hem of a jacket. Thus, marginsmay be specified with respect to certain edits/portions of the item.

If a user (e.g., an item provider) attempts to specify a design areathat will violate such margins, at block 810 an errorindication/notification may be generated. For example, the notificationmay include one or more of a text notification, an icon notification, asound notification, an operational notification (e.g., snapping the sizeof the design area border back to the previous size in response todetecting that the user is attempting to increase the size of the designarea past a margin), or the like. In addition, the user may be preventedfrom publishing the item on the user's store until the violation iscorrected. If there is no violation or the violation has been corrected,then at block 808, the design area dimensions and/or coordinates may bestored for later publication. Optionally, instead of generating an errornotification, the process may crop the design area so that the designarea will automatically be sized to fit within the specified margins.

FIG. 9 illustrates example operations that may be performed in detectingdesign rule violations with respect to editing an image by a user (e.g.,an end user) which may be used by one or more of the image editingoperations discussed herein. At block 902, an image edit instruction isreceived. For example, the editing instructions may relate to change thesize, rotation, and/or position of an image depicted in a design area ofan item (e.g., on a chest design area of a jacket). At block 904, theedited image is rendered in real time on the item. At block 906, adetermination is made as to whether the edited image extends past thedesign area boarder or a margin thereof, as defined by an item provider.At block 910, an error indication/notification is generated. Forexample, the notification may include one or more of a textnotification, an icon notification, a sound notification, an operationalnotification (e.g., snapping the size or rotation of the image back tothe previous size or rotation in response to detecting that the user isattempting to increase the size of the image or change the rotation ofthe image so that it will be past a design area border or margin), orthe like. In addition, the user may be prevented from ordering the itemuntil the violation is corrected. If there is no violation or theviolation has been corrected at block 912, then at block 908, the imagedimensions and/or coordinates may be stored for later ordering orprinting. Optionally instead, the portion of the image or other templatethat violates design area boarder or a margin thereof is cropped, andthe cropped image is displayed in real time in the design area. The usermay be permitted to order the order the item with the cropped image orother template.

FIG. 10 illustrates example operations that may be performed indetecting design rule violations with respect to editing text by a user(e.g., an end user). The example operations may be used in conjunctionwith one or more of the text editing operations discussed herein. Atblock 1002, an text edit instruction is received. For example, theediting instructions may relate to change the size, rotation, and/orposition of text depicted in a design area of an item (e.g., on a chestdesign area of a jacket). At block 1004, the edited text is rendered inreal time on the item. At block 1006, a determination is made as towhether the edited text extends past the design area boarder or a marginthereof, as defined by an item provider. At block 1010, an errorindication/notification is generated. For example, the notification mayinclude one or more of a text notification, an icon notification, asound notification, an operational notification (e.g., snapping the sizeor rotation of the text back to the previous size or rotation inresponse to detecting that the user is attempting to increase the sizeof the text or rotate the text past a design area border or margin), orthe like. In addition, the user may be prevented from ordering the itemuntil the violation is corrected. If there is no violation or theviolation has been corrected at block 1012, then at block 1008, the textdimensions and/or coordinates may be stored for later ordering orprinting.

Optionally instead, the portion of the text or other template thatviolates design area boarder or a margin thereof is cropped, and thecropped text or other template is displayed in real time in the designarea. The user may be permitted to order the order the item with thecropped text or other template.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process that enables a user to quicklyview different templates as applied to an item design area. At block1102, user edits to a first design element (e.g., a first template) in afirst design area of an item are received. For example, the edits (e.g.,a change in orientation, color, size, height/width ratio, text content,deletion of a portion of a design element, etc.) may been received usinginterfaces described above. The first design element may be one of aplurality of design elements that may be used in the design area. Theuser interface may display the edited first design element on a model ofan item.

At block 1104, a next or previous design element command may be receivedand detected. For example, if the user interface is displayed via atouch screen, the next or previous design element command may bereceived via a left or a right swipe gesture using one or more fingersor a stylus. Optionally, visible next and previous controls may beprovided that may be clicked on or otherwise selected. Optionally, asuggestion control may be provided which may be used to instruct theprocess to suggest a template (rather than provide the last or nexttemplate).

At block 1106, a second design element is accessed in response to thenext or previous command. For example, if a previous command isreceived, the process may select the immediately preceding designelement in a gallery of design elements. If an a next command isreceived, the process may select the immediately next design element ina gallery of design elements. If a suggestion control is selected, theprocess may select a second template based on a user's template purchasehistory, user preferences (e.g., the user may have indicated apreference for certain sports teams or players, performers, celebrities,politicians, cartoon characters), and/or template popularity.

At block 1108, the edits to the first design element are retrieved frommemory.

At block 1110, a determination is made as to which edits to the firstdesign element may be applied the second design element. For example,the process may determine whether an item provider has set differentedit restrictions for the first design element than the second designelement, and whether edits permitted for the first design element arepermitted for the second design element. The process may not apply (orapply with a rule violation notice) the edits from the first designelement to the second design element where such edits would violate editrestrictions for the second design element.

By way of illustration, the first design element may be of a basketball,and a first edit may have changed the basketball color to green. Thesecond design element may be a logo of a basketball team and may beassociated with a restriction preventing a color change to the logo. Insuch case, the process would not apply the color change to the logo. Byway of further example, the edit permissions for both the first andsecond design elements may indicate that both design elements may berotated to any desired angle. In such case, the process may apply arotation edit for the first design element to the second design element.By way of further example, an edit to the first design element may havebeen deletion of a word. If the second design element does not includethe deleted word, than the deletion edit will not be performed.

At block 1112, the edits that are determined to be apply-able to thesecond design element are applied. At block 1114, the second template isrendered on the first design area of the model of the item. Optionally,an undo control may be provided which when activated will cause theedits to the second template to be removed. The foregoing process may beperformed in real time, enabling a user to swiftly view differentcustomizations, optionally without having to reapply edits for eachdesign element.

Optionally, in addition to enabling gestures to be used to cycle throughtemplates, the process may enable gestures to be used to swipe throughdifferent items to which a template will be applied. For example, inresponse to detecting a gesture (e.g., an up/down or left/right swipe)on a user device display, the process may replace the item on which thetemplate is displayed with a different item. For example, if a templateis displayed on an image of a t-shirt with a pocket, in response to agesture process may cause the same template (optionally with any useredits) to be displayed in real time on another item (e.g., a t-shirtwithout a pocket) in place of the image of the t-shirt with a pocket.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process that enables a user to accuratelyand quickly generate a sticker and customization palettes for a sticker.It is understood, that given the flexibility of the user interfaces,optionally the various user interfaces may be accessed in differentorder. At block 1202, a user interface is provided via which the usercan select a product to which a “sticker” (e.g., an image of a licensedcharacter, logo, trademark, etc.) may be applied. For example, if theuser interface is enhanced for touch input as described elsewhereherein, the process may enable gestures to be used to swipe throughimages of different items to which a sticker may be applied. Forexample, in response to detecting a gesture (e.g., an up/down orleft/right swipe) on a user device touch display, the process mayreplace an image of a first product (e.g., a t-shirt) with an image of asecond product (e.g., a hoodie jacket). The user may touch or otherwiseselect a product image (e.g., by pointing a cursor over a product imageand clicking, or otherwise).

At block 1204, a sticker creation command is received from a user (e.g.,via menu selection, link activation, or otherwise). At block 1206, alibrary of assets is accessed, and at least a portion of the library isdisplayed. For example, an asset may be a character, logo, or trademark.At block 1208, the user is enabled to select an asset (e.g., by touchingthe asset displayed on the user device display, by pointing a cursorover the asset and clicking, or otherwise). At block 1209, a user assetselection is received and displayed on an image of the selected product.At block 1210, a user interface is provided via which a user may selecta color. For example, a plurality of colors may be displayed (e.g., in ascrollable list of colors). A user can touch the desired color to selectit. At block 1212, in response to detecting a user color selection, thecolor of the asset, displayed on the product image, is changed to thatof the selected color.

At block 1214, a user is enabled to designate the selected color as adefault color (e.g., the color the sticker will be initially displayedin when displayed to an end user in an electronic catalog of productsand/or of stickers). For example, a “set as default control” (e.g.,which may be labelled as “set as main” or otherwise) may be provided. Atblock 1216, in response to the user activation of the default control,the corresponding selected color is displayed in an asset color palettefield. The asset color palette field is configured to display colorsdesignated by the user as to be made available to end users (orlicensees) in customizing the sticker. The color designated as thedefault color may be highlighted (via position as the first color in thepalette, via an icon, via a text notation, and/or via other technique)to distinguish the default color from other colors in the asset colorpalette field. At block 1218, a user interface is provided via which theuser can add additional colors to the asset color palette field (e.g.,one color at a time to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent colorselection, or multiple colors at the same time to speed the colorselection). At block 1220, the additional colors are displayed in theasset color palette field.

At block 1222, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that only those colors included user specified asset colorpalette may be used by end users (or licensees) in customizing the colorof the asset. The user may also specify that end users may utilize thecolors in the included user specified asset color palette but may alsouse other colors. Optionally, if end users are permitted to use othercolors, the colors included user specified asset color palette may berecommended or emphasized (e.g., listed first or with a notation)relative to colors not included in the user specified asset colorpalette.

At block 1224, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that certain asset properties may or may not be modified by anend user. For example, the user may specify that the asset size, assetorientation, asset position (on the product), or asset layering may ormay not be modified.

At block 1226, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify on what colors of the product the sticker (including theassociated colors and permissions) is to be made available for to endusers.

FIG. 13A-13C illustrates an example process that enables a user toaccurately and quickly generate a template and customization palettesfor a template. It is understood that certain processes described herein(e.g., with respect to selecting or entering text, selecting fonts,selecting text effects, etc.) may be utilized with respect to stickersas well.

At block 1302, a user interface is provided via which the user canselect a product to which a “template” (e.g., which optionally includesmultiple elements, such as text, and an image, logo, trademark, etc.)may be applied. For example, if the user interface is enhanced for touchinput as described herein, the process may enable gestures to be used toswipe through images of different items to which a template may beapplied. For example, in response to detecting a gesture (e.g., anup/down or left/right swipe) on a user device touch display, the processmay replace an image of a first product (e.g., a t-shirt) with an imageof a second product (e.g., a hoodie jacket). The user may touch orotherwise select a product image (e.g., by pointing a cursor over aproduct image and clicking, or otherwise).

At block 1304, a template creation command is received from a user(e.g., via menu selection, link activation, or otherwise). At block1306, a library of assets is accessed, and at least a portion of thelibrary is displayed. For example, an asset may be a character, logo, ortrademark. At block 1308, the user is enabled to select an asset (e.g.,by touching the asset displayed on the user device display, by pointinga cursor over the asset and clicking, or otherwise). At block 1310, auser asset selection is received and displayed on an image of theselected product.

At block 1312, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that certain asset properties may or may not be modified by anend user. For example, the user may specify that the asset size, assetorientation, asset position (on the product), or asset layering may ormay not be modified.

At block 1314, a user interface is provided via which a user may selecta color. For example, a plurality of colors may be displayed (e.g., in ascrollable list of colors). A user can touch the desired color to selectit. At block 1316, in response to detecting a user color selection, thecolor of the asset, displayed on the product image, is changed to thatof the selected color.

At block 1318, a user is enabled to designate the selected color as adefault color (e.g., the color the asset will be initially displayed inwhen displayed to an end user in an electronic catalog of productsand/or of templates). For example, a “set as default control” (e.g.,which may be labelled as “set as main” or otherwise) may be provided. Atblock 1320, in response to the user activation of the default control,the corresponding selected color is displayed in an asset color palettefield. The asset color palette field is configured to display colorsdesignated by the user as to be made available to end users (orlicensees) in customizing the template. The color designated as thedefault color may be highlighted (via position as the first color in thepalette, via an icon, via a text notation, and/or via other technique)to distinguish the default color from other colors in the asset colorpalette field.

At block 1322, a user interface is provided via which the user can addadditional colors to the asset color palette field (e.g., one color at atime to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent color selection, ormultiple colors at the same time to speed by the color selection). Atblock 1324, the additional colors are displayed in the asset colorpalette field.

At block 1326, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that only those colors included user specified asset colorpalette may be used by end users (or licensees) in customizing the colorof the asset. The user may also specify that end users may utilize thecolors in the included user specified asset color palette but may alsouse other colors. Optionally, if end users are permitted to use othercolors, the colors included user specified asset color palette may berecommended or emphasized (e.g., listed first or with a notation)relative to colors not included in the user specified asset colorpalette.

At block 1324, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that certain asset properties may or may not be modified by anend user. For example, the user may specify that the asset size, assetorientation, asset position (on the product), or asset layering may ormay not be modified.

At block 1326, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify on what colors of the product the template (including theassociated colors and permissions) is to be made available for to endusers.

At block 1328, a user interface (e.g., a keyboard) may be provided onthe touch display via which the user can enter text. At block 1330, thetext is displayed on the product image. Optionally, the text isincrementally displayed as the user types it. Optionally instead, thetext is not displayed until the user indicates (e.g., via a “done”control) that the user has completed entering the text.

At block 1334, a user interface is provided via which a user may selecta font. For example, one or more fonts may be displayed (e.g., in ascrollable list of fonts). The displayed fonts may include the name ofthe font using letters in the font. A user can touch or point at thedesired font to select it. At block 1336, the font of the text,displayed on the product image, is changed to that of the selected font.Optionally, the font of the text, displayed on the product image, ischanged to that of the selected font in response to the user scrollingto the corresponding font in the scrollable list of fonts, even if theuser has not selected the font.

At block 1338, a user is enabled to designate the selected font as adefault font (e.g., the font the text will be initially displayed inwhen displayed to an end user in an electronic catalog of productsand/or of templates). For example, a “set as default control” (e.g.,which may be labelled as “set as main font” or otherwise) may beprovided. At block 1340, in response to the user activation of thedefault control, the corresponding selected font is displayed in a textfont palette field. The text font palette field is configured to displayfonts designated by the user as to be made available to end users (orlicensees) in customizing the template. The font designated as thedefault font may be highlighted (via position as the first font in thepalette, via an icon, via a text notation, and/or via other technique)to distinguish the default font from other fonts in the text fontpalette field.

At block 1342, a user interface is provided via which the user can addadditional (non-default) fonts to the text font palette field (e.g., onefont at a time to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent fontselection, or multiple fonts at the same time to speed by the fontselection). At block 1344, the additional fonts are displayed in thetext font palette field. A user interface may be provided via which theuser can specify that only those fonts included user specified text fontpalette may be used by end users (or licensees) in customizing the fontof the text. The user may also specify (e.g., via a lock control) thatend users may utilize the fonts in the included user specified text fontpalette but may (or may not) also use other fonts. Optionally, if endusers are permitted to use other fonts, the fonts included userspecified text font palette may be recommended or emphasized (e.g.,listed first or with a notation) relative to fonts not included in theuser specified text font palette.

At block 1346, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that certain text properties may or may not be modified by anend user. For example, the user may specify that the text size, textorientation, text position (on the product), or text layering may or maynot be modified.

At block 1348, a user interface is provided via which a user may selecttext fill and text outline colors. For example, a plurality of colorsmay be displayed (e.g., in a scrollable list (e.g., row) of colors).Optionally, two sets of colors may be presented, a first set for thetext fill colors, and a second set for the text outline colors. A usercan touch or point at a desired color in the first set of colors toselect the color as the text fill color. A user can touch or point at adesired color in the second set of colors to select the color as thetext outline color. At block 1350, in response to detecting a user colorselection from the first set of colors, the fill color of the text,displayed on the product image, is changed to that of the selectedcolor. In response to detecting a user color selection from the secondset of colors, the outline color of the text, displayed on the productimage, is changed to that of the selected color.

At block 1352, a user is enabled to designate the selected fill color asa default fill color (e.g., the text fill color the text will beinitially displayed in when displayed to an end user in an electroniccatalog of products and/or of templates). For example, a “set as defaultcontrol” (e.g., which may be labelled as “set as main” or otherwise) maybe provided. Similarly, a user is enabled to designate the selectedoutline color as a default text outline color (e.g., the text outlinecolor the text will be initially displayed in when displayed to an enduser in an electronic catalog of products and/or of templates). At block1354, in response to the user activation of the color fill defaultcontrol, the corresponding selected fill color is displayed in a textcolor palette field. Similarly, in response to the user activation ofthe color outline default control, the corresponding selected outlinecolor is displayed in the text color palette field. The text colorpalette field is configured to display fill and outline colorsdesignated by the user as to be made available to end users (orlicensees) in customizing the template. The color designated as thedefault color may be highlighted (via position as the first color in thepalette, via an icon, via a text notation, and/or via other technique)to distinguish the default color from other colors in the text colorpalette field.

At block 1356, a user interface is provided via which the user can addadditional fill and/or outline colors to the text color palette field(e.g., one color at a time to reduce the possibility of an inadvertentcolor selection, or multiple colors at the same time to speed by thecolor selection). At block 1358, the additional colors are displayed inthe text color palette field.

At block 1360, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that only those colors included user specified text colorpalette may be used by end users (or licensees) in customizing the filland/or outline colors of the text. The user may also specify (e.g., viaa lock control) that end users may utilize the fill and/or outlinecolors in the included user specified text color palette but may alsouse other colors. Optionally, if end users are permitted to use othercolors, the colors included user specified text color palette may berecommended or emphasized (e.g., listed first or with a notation)relative to colors not included in the user specified text colorpalette.

At block 1362, a user interface is provided via which a user may selectan effect. For example, one or more effects may be displayed (e.g., in amenu or scrollable list of effects). The displayed effects may includethe name of the effect. A user can touch or point at the desired effectto select it. At block 1364, the text, displayed on the product image,is changed in accordance with the selected effect. Optionally, theeffect applied to the text, displayed on the product image, is changedto that of an effect pointed at by the user, even if the user has notselected the effect.

At block 1366, a user is enabled to designate the selected effect as adefault effect (e.g., the effect the text will be initially displayed inwhen displayed to an end user in an electronic catalog of productsand/or of templates). For example, a “set as default control” (e.g.,which may be labelled as “set as main effect” or otherwise) may beprovided. At block 1368, in response to the user activation of thedefault control, the corresponding selected effect is displayed in atext effect palette field. The text effect palette field is configuredto display effects designated by the user as to be made available to endusers (or licensees) in customizing the template. The effect designatedas the default effect may be highlighted (via position as the firsteffect in the palette, via an icon, via a text notation, and/or viaother technique) to distinguish the default effect from other effects inthe text effect palette field.

At block 1370, a user interface is provided via which the user can addadditional effects to the text effect palette field (e.g., one effect ata time to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent effect selection, ormultiple effects at the same time to speed by the effect selection). Atblock 1372, the additional effects are displayed in the text effectpalette field. At block 1374, a user interface may be provided via whichthe user can specify that only those effects included user specifiedtext effect palette may be used by end users (or licensees) incustomizing the effect of the text. The user may also specify (e.g., viaa lock control) that end users may utilize the effects in the includeduser specified text effect palette but may (or may not) also use othereffects. Optionally, if end users are permitted to use other effects,the effects included user specified text effect palette may berecommended or emphasized (e.g., listed first or with a notation)relative to effects not included in the user specified text effectpalette.

At block 1376, a user interface (e.g., a keyboard) may be provided onthe touch display via which the user may select (e.g., from a contentlibrary), submit or enter content (e.g., via a keyboard, by drawing onthe display, via an upload). At block 1378, the content is displayed onthe product image. Optionally, the content is incrementally displayed asthe user types or draws the content.

At block 1380, a user is enabled to designate the selected content as adefault content (e.g., the content the asset will be initially displayedin when displayed to an end user in an electronic catalog of productsand/or of templates). For example, a “set as default control” (e.g.,which may be labelled as “set as main” or otherwise) may be provided. Atblock 1382, in response to the user activation of the default control,the corresponding selected content is displayed in a content palettefield. The content palette field is configured to display contentdesignated by the user as to be made available to end users (orlicensees) in customizing the template. The content designated as thedefault content may be highlighted (via position as the first content inthe palette, via an icon, via a text notation, and/or via othertechnique) to distinguish the default content from other content in thecontent palette field.

At block 1384, a user interface is provided via which the user can addadditional content to the content palette field (e.g., one content at atime to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent content selection, ormultiple content at the same time to speed by the content selection). Atblock 1386, the additional content are displayed in the content palettefield.

At block 1388, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that only that content included user specified asset contentpalette may be used by end users (or licensees) in customizing thecontent of the asset. The user may also specify that end users mayutilize the content in the included user specified asset content palettebut may also use other content. Optionally, if end users are permittedto use other content, the content included user specified asset contentpalette may be recommended or emphasized (e.g., listed first or with anotation) relative to content not included in the user specified assetcontent palette.

At block 1390, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify that certain content properties may or may not be modified by anend user. For example, the user may specify that the content size,content orientation, content position (on the product), or contentlayering may or may not be modified.

At block 1392, a user interface may be provided via which the user canspecify on what colors of the product the content (including associatedpermissions) is to be made available for to end users.

Thus, aspects of the disclosure relate to enhancement in the computeraided design and customization of items.

The methods and processes described herein may have fewer or additionalsteps or states and the steps or states may be performed in a differentorder. Not all steps or states need to be reached. The methods andprocesses described herein may be embodied in, and fully or partiallyautomated via, software code modules executed by one or more generalpurpose computers. The code modules may be stored in any type ofcomputer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or allof the methods may alternatively be embodied in whole or in part inspecialized computer hardware. The systems described herein mayoptionally include displays, user input devices (e.g., touchscreen,keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.), network interfaces, etc.

The results of the disclosed methods may be stored in any type ofcomputer data repository, such as relational databases and flat filesystems that use volatile and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., magneticdisk storage, optical storage, EEPROM and/or solid state RAM).

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,and steps have been described above generally in terms of theirfunctionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware orsoftware depends upon the particular application and design constraintsimposed on the overall system. The described functionality can beimplemented in varying ways for each particular application, but suchimplementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the disclosure.

Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implementedor performed by a machine, such as a processor device, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, theprocessor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine,combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can includeelectrical circuitry configured to process computer-executableinstructions. In another embodiment, a processor device includes an FPGAor other programmable device that performs logic operations withoutprocessing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can alsobe implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. Although described hereinprimarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device mayalso include primarily analog components. For example, some or all ofthe rendering techniques described herein may be implemented in analogcircuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environmentcan include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to,a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, adigital signal processor, a portable computing device, a devicecontroller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name afew.

The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodieddirectly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processordevice, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside inRAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory,registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storagemedium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processordevice can read information from, and write information to, the storagemedium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integer to theprocessor device. The processor device and the storage medium can residein an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative,the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discretecomponents in a user terminal.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “may,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orsteps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,”“including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are usedinclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additionalelements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or”is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

While the phrase “click” may be used with respect to a user selecting acontrol, menu selection, or the like, other user inputs may be used,such as voice commands, text entry, gestures, etc. For example, a clickmay be in the form of a user touch (via finger or stylus) on a touchscreen, or in the form of a user moving a cursor (using a mouse ofkeyboard navigation keys) to a displayed object and activating aphysical control (e.g., a mouse button or keyboard key). User inputsmay, by way of example, be provided via an interface or in response to aprompt (e.g., a voice or text prompt). By way of example an interfacemay include text fields, wherein a user provides input by entering textinto the field. By way of further example, a user input may be receivedvia a menu selection (e.g., a drop down menu, a list or otherarrangement via which the user can check via a check box or otherwisemake a selection or selections, a group of individually selectableicons, a menu selection made via an interactive voice response system,etc.). When the user provides an input or activates a control, acorresponding computing system may perform a corresponding operation(e.g., store the user input, process the user input, provide a responseto the user input, etc.). Some or all of the data, inputs andinstructions provided by a user may optionally be stored in a systemdata store (e.g., a database), from which the system may access andretrieve such data, inputs, and instructions. The notifications and userinterfaces described herein may be provided via a Web page, a dedicatedor non-dedicated phone application, computer application, a shortmessaging service message (e.g., SMS, MMS, etc.), instant messaging,email, push notification, audibly, and/or otherwise.

The user terminals described herein may be in the form of a mobilecommunication device (e.g., a cell phone, a VoIP equipped mobile device,etc.), laptop, tablet computer, interactive television, game console,media streaming device, head-wearable display, virtual realitydisplay/headset, augmented reality display/headset, networked watch,etc. The user terminals may optionally include displays, user inputdevices (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.),network interfaces, etc.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to various embodiments, it can beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As can berecognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied withina form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forthherein, as some features can be used or practiced separately fromothers.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer implemented method, comprising:enabling, using a computer system comprising a computer device, a designcustomization user interface to be displayed to a first user via adisplayed device, the design customization user interface configured toenable a first template to be defined for use in item customization;enabling the first user to, via the design customization user interface:specify whether an end user may populate a first area of the firsttemplate with a design element comprising an image provided by the enduser; specify text and/or an image for a second area of the firsttemplate; define a first appearance rule for the first area of the firsttemplate with respect to at least an end user-provided design elementcomprising an image, the first appearance rule specifying at least oneof an image color or image manipulation; enabling a first end userinterface to be displayed on an end user device of the first end user,the first end user interface configured to display an image of a firstitem, wherein the image of the first item is displayed with the textand/or an image in the second area; enabling the first end user tomodify the first area of the first template with a design element,comprising an image provided by the first end user; receiving a designelement, comprising an image, provided by the first end user to be usedto populate the first area of the first template; determining whetherthe design element, comprising the image provided by the first end userviolates the first appearance rule, the first appearance rule specifyingat least one of an image color or image manipulation; at least partly inresponse to determining that: the design element, comprising the image,provided by the first end user to populate the first design area of thefirst template, does not violate the first appearance rule, causing thefirst template, as modified by the first end user, to be printed orembroidered on a physical instance of the first item; at least partly inresponse to determining that: the design element, comprising the image,provided by the first end user to populate the first design area of thefirst template, violates the first appearance rule, inhibiting the firsttemplate, as modified by the first end user, from being printed orembroidered on a physical instance of the first item.
 2. The computerimplemented method as defined in claim 1, the method further comprising:enabling the first user to specify a plurality of print options,including at least different ink options and/or an embroidery option, tobe made available to end users in customizing items using the firsttemplate; enabling the first user to define a first design elementpalette comprising a first set of images and/or graphics and associatethe first design element palette with a corresponding area of at leastone template and enabling the first user to define a second designelement palette comprising a second set of images and/or graphics andassociate the second design element palette with a second area the atleast one template; and providing a rotation control enabling the enduser to rotate the image of the first item so as to depict a differentside of the first item.
 3. The computer implemented method as defined inclaim 1, the method further comprising enabling a first plurality ofdifferent item providers to specify different templates for use incustomizing items, including respective palettes of design elements forrespective template areas, and post the specified templates torespective electronic catalogs of the first plurality of different itemproviders.
 4. The computer implemented method as defined in claim 1, themethod further comprising enabling the first user to define a firstdesign element palette comprising a first set of images and/or graphicsand associate the first design element palette with a corresponding areaof at least one template and enabling the first user to define a seconddesign element palette comprising a second set of images and/or graphicsand associate the second design element palette with a second area theat least one template.
 5. The computer implemented method as defined inclaim 1, the method further comprising: receiving a user color selectionwhile a first default design element is displayed on the image of thefirst item; accessing a text file associated with the first defaultdesign element, the text file comprising color data; automaticallyediting the color data in the text file to correspond to the colorselection; and causing the first default design element to be renderedin real time using the edited color data in the text file.
 6. Thecomputer implemented method as defined in claim 1, the method furthercomprising: enabling the first user to selectively lock a firstplurality of design element characteristics comprising orientation forat least a first design element, to thereby prevent end users frommodifying the locked design element characteristics.
 7. The computerimplemented method as defined in claim 1, the method further comprising:enabling the first user to upload over a network to a storage device animage of the first item in scalable vector graphics (SVG) format whichis defined using an XML text file; and locating and editing a colorentry in the XML text file to correspond to a color specified by thefirst user.
 8. A computer system comprising: a computing device; anon-transitory data media configured to store instructions that whenexecuted by the computing device, cause the computing device to performoperations comprising: enable a design customization user interface tobe displayed to a first user via a displayed device, the designcustomization user interface configured to enable a first template to bedefined for use in item customization; enable the first user to, via thedesign customization user interface: specify whether an end user maypopulate a first area of the first template with a design elementcomprising an image provided by the end user; specify text and/or animage for a second area of the first template; define a first appearancerule for the first area of the first template with respect to at leastan end user-provided design element comprising an image, the firstappearance rule specifying at least one of an image color or imagemanipulation; enable a first end user interface to be displayed on anend user device of the first end user, the first end user interfaceconfigured to display an image of a first item, wherein the image of thefirst item is displayed with the text and/or an image in the secondarea; enable the first end user to modify the first area of the firsttemplate with a design element, comprising an image provided by thefirst end user; receive a design element, comprising an image, providedby the first end user to be used to populate the first area of the firsttemplate; determine whether the design element, comprising the imageprovided by the first end user violates the first appearance rule; atleast partly in response to determining that: the design element,comprising the image, provided by the first end user to populate thefirst design area of the first template, does not violate the firstappearance rule; cause the first template, as modified by the first enduser, to be printed or embroidered on a physical instance of the firstitem; at least partly in response to determining that: the designelement, comprising the image, provided by the first end user topopulate the first design area of the first template, violates the firstappearance rule; inhibit the first template, as modified by the firstend user, from being printed or embroidered on a physical instance ofthe first item.
 9. The computer system as defined in claim 8, whereinthe system is further configured to: enable a template definition userinterface to be displayed by a first display, the template definitionuser interface enabling a template be defined, including: palettes ofdesign elements selected from a design element gallery, and anassociation of different palettes of design elements with differentareas of an item; and enable the first user to define a first designelement palette comprising a first set of images and/or graphics andassociate the first design element palette with a corresponding area ofat least one template and enabling the first user to define a seconddesign element palette comprising a second set of images and/or graphicsand associate the second design element palette with a second area theat least one template.
 10. The computer system as defined in claim 8,wherein the system is further configured to enable the first user to:associate a first palette comprising photographic and/or graphic designelements with a first given area of a first given template; andassociate a second palette comprising text design elements with a secondgiven design area of the first given template.
 11. The computer systemas defined in claim 8, wherein the system is further configured toenable a description of the first item to be displayed in associationwith the image of the first item.
 12. The computer system as defined inclaim 8, wherein the system is further configured to enable an item sizeselection menu to be displayed in association with the image of thefirst item.
 13. The computer system as defined in claim 8, wherein thesystem is further configured to enable a user to search for designelements.
 14. The computer system as defined in claim 8, wherein thefirst end user interface enables the end user to rotate the image of thefirst item from a front view of the first item to a rear view of thefirst item.
 15. The computer system as defined in claim 8, wherein thesystem is further configured to enable print options to be selected,including at least different ink options and/or an embroidery option, tobe used in customizing items using the first template.
 16. The computersystem as defined in claim 8, wherein the first item comprises anarticle of clothing.
 17. The computer system as defined in claim 8,wherein the image of the first item comprises a three-dimensional modelhave surfaces with texture mapped thereon.
 18. A non-transitory computerreadable storage medium storing computer executable instructions thatwhen executed by a processor cause the processor to perform operationscomprising: enable a first user to, via a design customization userinterface: specify whether an end user may populate a first area of afirst template with a design element comprising an image provided by theend user, wherein the first template is configured to be used for itemcustomization; specify text and/or an image for a second area of thefirst template; define a first appearance rule for the first area of thefirst template with respect to at least an end user-provided designelement comprising an image, the first appearance rule specifying atleast one of an image color or image manipulation; enable a first enduser interface to be displayed on an end user device of the first enduser, the first end user interface configured to display an image of afirst item, wherein the image of the first item is displayed with thetext and/or an image in the second area; enable the first end user tomodify the first area of the first template with a design element,comprising an image provided by the first end user; receive a designelement, comprising an image, provided by the first end user to be usedto populate the first area of the first template; determine whether thedesign element, comprising the image provided by the first end userviolates the first appearance rule, the first appearance rule specifyingat least one of an image color or image manipulation; at least partly inresponse to determining that: the design element, comprising the image,provided by the first end user to populate the first design area of thefirst template, does not violate the first appearance rule, enabling thefirst template, as modified by the first end user, to be used incustomizing a physical instance of the first item via printing orembroidering; at least partly in response to determining that: thedesign element, comprising the image, provided by the first end user topopulate the first design area of the first template, violates the firstappearance rule, inhibit the first template, as modified by the firstend user, to be used in customizing a physical instance of the firstitem via printing or embroidering.
 19. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 18, the operations furthercomprising: enable a template definition user interface to be displayedby a first display, the template definition user interface enabling atemplate be defined, including: palettes of design elements selectedfrom a design element gallery, and an association of different palettesof design elements with different areas of an item.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, theoperations further comprising: enable a template definition userinterface to be displayed by a first display, the template definitionuser interface enabling a template be defined, including: palettes ofdesign elements selected from a design element gallery, and anassociation of different palettes of design elements with differentareas of an item; and enable the first user to define a first designelement palette comprising a first set of images and/or graphics andassociate the first design element palette with a corresponding area ofat least one template and enabling the first user to define a seconddesign element palette comprising a second set of images and/or graphicsand associate the second design element palette with a second area theat least one template.
 21. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 18, the operations further comprising enabling adescription of the first item to be displayed in association with theimage of the first item.
 22. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 18, the operations further comprising enabling asize selection menu to be displayed in association with the image of thefirst item.
 23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 18, the operations further comprising enabling a user to searchfor design elements.
 24. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 18, wherein the first end user interface enables thefirst end user to rotate the image of the first item from a front viewof the first item to a rear view of the first item.
 25. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, theoperations further comprising enabling print options to be selected,including at least different ink options and/or an embroidery option, tobe used in customizing items using the first template.
 26. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein theimage of the first item comprises a three-dimensional model havesurfaces with texture mapped thereon.